BACKGROUND

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) prepared the Draft

Bridgewater Flood Management Plan, with funding from both the state and

Commonwealth governments, in response to the 2010-11 flood events that

had a significant impact on the town.

A community based Steering Committee has overseen the development of

the draft plan, with support from a Technical Working Group that included

representatives from relevant water and flood management authorities,

government bodies and emergency response agencies.

Under the plan, a detailed flood modelling process was undertaken to

determine flood characteristics for a range of flood events, identify key

flooding issues, and explore options to reduce the impact of future flooding

on the town. This process was assisted by community members who provided

valuable local knowledge including flood observations and photos. The

outcomes of the plan are detailed overleaf.

PROGRESS UPDATE

In February 2016, an information brochure on the draft plan was sent out to

Bridgewater residents, inviting community feedback on the preferred

mitigation option of a levee system on the Loddon River.

The feedback obtained by North Central CMA from Bridgewater residents, via

feedback forms and during one-on-one meetings, was overwhelmingly

against the construction of a levee in the town. The plan’s final

recommendations have been revised in response to this feedback.

The Steering Committee

would like to thank all of

the residents of

Bridgewater who

contributed their time

and knowledge to the

development of the plan.

The Final Bridgewater Flood Management Plan will recommend the following actions:

Amendment of the Loddon Shire planning scheme to reflect the improved understanding of flooding

Adoption of new flood levels to inform future planning-related decisions

Adoption of the revised Municipal Flood Emergency Plan to improve emergency response

Development of a VICSES FloodSafe Guide for Bridgewater residents

Regular community information sessions regarding the management of reservoirs

Development of a Total Flood Warning System based on flows through the Laanecoorie gauge

Develop a community flood observers network to inform emergency services during a flood event

Ensure people requiring assistance are registered in the Loddon Shire Vulnerable Persons Register

The final plan will not recommend the construction of a levee system

Bridgewater FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016

Photo courtesy: Rob Scholes

Photo courtesy: Rob Scholes

For more information

North Central Catchment Management Authority Email: floodplain@nccma.vic.gov.au Phone: (03)5448 7124

www.nccma.vic.gov.au

Bridgewater FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016

OUTCOMES FROM THE PLAN

The purpose of the Bridgewater Flood Management Plan was to improve planning for, and reduce the impact of, future

flood events on the town. A detailed flood modelling and planning process has been undertaken in order to achieve

these objectives, assisted by community members who provided valuable local knowledge, including flood

observations and photos.

Below is a summary of the outcomes the plan has achieved on behalf of the Bridgewater community:

FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY

As a result of the study, free property-based flood reports are available via North Central CMA’s FloodEye

online mapping tool. Bridgewater residents can download flood reports for their property at:

http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Water/Floodplain_Management/Flood_Eye/index.aspx.

BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF FLOOD RISK:

Mapped a range of flood events, including flood water depth and

velocity, making it easier to predict flood impacts in the future.

Undertook floor-level surveys to understand flood impacts on homes

and businesses.

Created free property-based online flood reports (see below).

IMPROVED PREPARATION MEASURES:

Proposed amendments to the Loddon Shire’s Planning Scheme to accu-

rately reflect the new understanding of flood risk.

Developed improved flood warnings based on flows at the Laanecoorie

gauge, linked to the flood mapping of the town, to allow residents and

emergency agencies to respond to flood threats and minimise impacts

on people and property.

Updated the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan to enable agencies to co-

ordinate their preparation and response activities.

INVESTIGATION OF FLOOD MITIGATION OPTIONS:

Assessed the advantages and disadvantages of a number of structural

flood mitigation options, based on technical and local expertise. Options

included floodwater diversion or storage, improved floodwater passage,

and various levee systems. None of these options will be recommended

by the final plan.

Flood Eye

Photo courtesy: Rob Scholes

Photo courtesy: Rob Scholes

Photo courtesy: Colin Hokin