Bendigo residents who have recent or historic flood or rainfall information are encouraged to contribute to a North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) flood study.

The North Central CMA in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo is developing the Bendigo Urban Flood Study to determine flood levels and extents in the Bendigo region with key findings used for emergency management, land use planning and the prioritising of capital works.

Ms Camille White, Executive Floodplain Manager for the North Central CMA, said the information will be used to ensure the accuracy of a computer generated flood model.

“Following a public tender process we have engaged experienced consultants to undertake the study.  Information is now sought from the community regarding rainfall figures and observed flood events to assist the consultants to construct an accurate flood model.

“Whilst rainfall information has been provided by the Bureau of Meteorology from the Bendigo Airport site, anecdotal information indicates that rainfall across the Bendigo urban area is often erratic. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of rainfall figures across the catchment is required.” 

Mr Darren Fuzzard, Director Presentation and Assets from the City of Greater Bendigo said a comparison of the results produced by the flood model against the community-observed flood events will ensure the accuracy of the model for future use.

A community meeting is being held on Thursday 8 December from 7.30pm onwards at the Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club, High Street Kangaroo Flat for anyone interested in providing information.  To attend, RSVP to North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or info@nccma.vic.gov.au  by Wednesday 7 December 2011.

“Written documents, data records and photos will be copied on the night so that people can take their information home with them,” said Ms White.

In addition historic flood and rainfall information can also be mailed to North Central CMA, PO Box 18 Huntly VIC 3551; delivered in person to North Central CMA’s Bendigo office, 51 Bull Street, Bendigo or by email to: floodplain@nccma.vic.gov.au

Information should include date, location, recorder’s name and contact details for verification

Funding for the project has been provided by the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme with contributions from the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Bendigo.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au