The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the Golden Plains Shire to prepare the Inverleigh flood study.
The study will prepare detailed flood maps and other material to support appropriate development in the growing township and ensure the community is not exposed to increased flood risk. The local community’s recommendations for upgrading flood warning services and flood mitigation works will also be assessed.
Inverleigh is located on the confluence of the Leigh and Barwon Rivers and the town is experiencing significant residential growth.
Outputs from the flood study will help the community to better prepare for future floods, including through community flood response planning and education material.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Andrews Government understood the Inverleigh community knows its area best, and decisions about mitigating the effects of flooding on the town are best made locally.
The Andrews Government is making available $70,000 for the Golden Plains Shire to deliver the flood study, with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority providing technical advice and input. Council is also contributing an additional $35,000.
The Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy acknowledges that flood damages and trauma can be reduced by using credible data about flood behaviour, such as flood heights, flood extents and flood probabilities.
Detailed risk evaluations, in the form of flood studies, fill gaps in knowledge and help communities consider their flood management options.
The Victorian Government’s contribution to the Inverleigh flood study is from the 2016 – 2017 Victorian Budget commitment to provide $25 million funding to support implementation of the Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re chipping in to give Golden Plains Shire the resources they need to get this important flood study done.”
“Local knowledge is critical and I encourage Inverleigh locals to get involved and have their say about how we better protect our communities from flooding.”
“Our commitment to put people first means we work with Victorians, listen and deliver policies which encourage growth that creates healthy communities with a reduced risk from flooding.”
