Draft Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report open for comment
Published on 20 March 2025
Campaspe Shire Council’s draft Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report is now open for exhibition, and submissions from the community are sought before Council considers its adoption about mid-2025. The report will be available for comment through to 20 April 2025.
The Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report was prepared in collaboration with the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Murray River Council, and was approved for public exhibition at the Council meeting held on 18 March. The report follows on from the Echuca Moama Flood Study adopted by Council in March 2024. There is a separate plan for Moama being finalised by Murray River Council.
The EFRMP report investigates locations and potential flood protection works identified by members of the community and the flood engineers as being required.
These locations include a significant portion of Echuca East identified as flood-prone that were saved by temporary works in 2022 and the areas along Bowen, Pakenham and Moama streets that were flooded. Sections of the urban area adjacent the eastern side of the Campaspe River, the Ogilvie Avenue access and nearby houses and other areas are also identified and levees have been investigated.
The report outlines the general alignment of levees that would protect the identified flood-prone areas and assesses their potential for adverse impacts on others. The modelling has considered all levees individually as well as in aggregate, including those on both sides of the Murray River. No material adverse impacts are identified.
The EFRMP report assesses the economic benefits of each identified levee, comparing the costs of construction and ongoing maintenance with the benefits. Benefits are calculated in terms of reduced flood damage based on allotment or over-floor flooding and building type (commercial, residential etc.). The cost /benefit calculation is a key consideration when governments allocate grant funding.
The report provides recommendations for the review of development controls based on the latest flood mapping, flood hazard assessments and climate change. Climate change is expected to make weather patterns more erratic with more extreme droughts and floods resulting in higher flood levels based on the latest Australian standards.
Improvements to the Bureau of Meteorology’s flood warning system are also recommended in the report.
Two drop-in sessions have also been arranged where anyone can discuss aspects of the report directly with the Project Manager and other Council officers. These sessions will be held:
- Wednesday 26 March from 5pm to 6pm at Campaspe Shire Offices, corner of Hare and High Streets Echuca; and
- Tuesday 1 April from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Echuca Library.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell encourages community members attend the information sessions, read the draft Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report and provide their feedback by 20 April.
“All comments received will be assessed and the issues will be summarised into a final report, together with Council’s response,” Cr Mackrell said.
The Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report is available for viewing or download and feedback can be made online, via the “Now Open” section of Council’s website at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au
Hard copies of the Echuca Flood Risk Management Plan report and feedback forms are available at Echuca Library.