Gannawarra Shire’s flood protection is being enhanced with $560,000 worth of flood mitigation works and measures confirmed by the Victorian Coalition Government today.
Water Minister Peter Walsh visited Quambatook to announce a $60,000 flood study for the town, as well as confirming $500,000 for the final stage of Kerang levee works.
Mr Walsh said Quambatook was severely affected by overland and riverine flooding from the Avoca River in January 2011.
“Developing a flood study for Quambatook will enhance flood intelligence for the area and will assess potential structural measures that could be taken to mitigate floods,” Mr Walsh said.
“ The study will also prepare flood mapping for a range of flood events including the recent one-in -200-year flood. The results will be used to assess and recommend flood mitigation measures to reduce the flood risk and improve the resilience of the town.”
Mr Walsh said a local project steering committee will be developed to oversee and lead the flood study project.
“Funding for the study is being provided through $47,500 from the Coalition Government’s Flood Warning Network – Repair and Improvement initiative, while an additional $10,000 will be added by Gannawarra Shire Council and a further $2,500 will come from the Commonwealth Government through the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme, ” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said Gannawarra Shire Council will be assisted and supported in the delivery of the study by North Central Catchment Management Authority.
“ The Coalition Government has also confirmed the $250,000 needed to complete the second year of works on Kerang’s permanent flood levee, which will run the entire perimeter of the town. The Commonwealth has also provided $250,000 for the second year of these works.
“The levee is designed to defend the town from a flood larger than a one-in-100-year flood, while reducing demand on volunteers and emergency workers and protecting an additional two kilometers of state highway from flooding.”
Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Rosanne Kava confirmed the tender process for works on Stage 1 of the Kerang Township Protection Levee would commence soon.
Council estimates the total cost of the two-year project is $1.77 million with the additional $770,000 funds being sourced from the Coalition Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Program.
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Press Release, November 7, 2012