Updated 2024-25 Rochester Flood Study

The Rochester Flood Study Project has commenced.

Tenders are currently being sought from suitably qualified and experienced flood engineers to undertake the technical study.

We expect engineers to be appointed by mid May with Study to commence shortly after.

The study will:

• Develop a computerised flood model of the Campaspe River and its breakout flows downstream of Lake Eppalock to the Murray River
• Extend the modelling to much greater floods than the 2013 Flood Study that was limited to a flood with a probability of exceedance in any year of 0.5% (i.e. 200 year flood). The 2022 flood was much greater than this.
• Review previous mitigation proposals and explore all possible new ones which include the results of the Lake Eppalock Technical Assessment Report.
  
  

Expressions of Interest - Rochester Flood Study Reference Committee

A Flood Study Reference Committee (FSRC) is to be established as an advisory committee to act as a sounding board in support of the flood study and development of the associated floodplain risk management plan. In summary, its role is to ensure all important aspects of the study are considered, provide a focus for discussion of technical, social, cultural, economic, environmental and ecological issues and provide a link to the community in relation to flood risk and management issues.

For more information or to apply, click here.

The Lake Eppalock Technical Assessment Report

The Lake Eppalock Technical Assessment Report investigated options for changing Lake Eppalock’s infrastructure and operation to reduce peak flood flows downstream in the Campaspe. It identifies the flow reductions that may be achieved and approximate downstream benefits but is not investigating the benefits to Rochester in detail. That will be done in the new Rochester Flood Study. The Department of Energy Environment and Climate Change (DEECA) is managing the Lake Eppalock Technical Assessment. That report is currently open for public comment. DEECA is  seeking feedback to better understand the benefits and negative impacts of the options investigated as part of the Lake Eppalock Technical Assessment.

DEECA is seeking feedback from all members of the community including – Traditional Owners, irrigators, downstream residents, recreational water users and upstream landholders. You can read and provide feedback via the state government's Engage Website.

As a reminder, more detailed information on the Lake Eppalock Assessment is available by viewing the full technical report, summary technical report, explanatory note and the webinar available on Lake Eppalock operating arrangements assessment webpage.  

Additionally, DEECA will be running face-to-face appointment style sessions with interested community members at the following locations and times.

Individuals or small groups are invited to book in for these sessions (via email: [email protected]) and they will be allocated a half an hour time slot where they can talk and ask questions to the project team.