To strengthen its flood mitigation measures, Campaspe Shire Council has announced it will conduct routine maintenance of its stormwater pumps at sites across Echuca in July 2023.
Campaspe Shire Council Director – Infrastructure, Kate Lemon, said, “Council maintenance crews will be out and about in the community over the next month checking our flood mitigation storm water pumps to ensure they are in tip top working order.
“We are aware that some people have been concerned about the weather lately, so we want to let the community know that these works are part of our ongoing stormwater pump maintenance program and not connected to what’s happening with river systems across some parts of northern Victoria.
“Council’s Emergency Management Team continues to work closely with local emergency services, including the SES, to monitor local conditions and should the pumps be needed for flood mitigation in the future, we will be well prepared.”
Since the floods of October 2022, Council has strengthened its flood mitigation measures and has applied for government funding for a range of specific projects in this area. Council was recently awarded $1.087 million under round one of the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) for a Flood Review and Mitigation Project. This funding will enable:
- Review and updating of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study. This will allow potential future flood mitigation measures, warning systems and triggers to be developed based on the latest information
- Preparation of a Flood Risk Management Plan. The plan will identify, evaluate and recommend options for mitigation works and determine their overall feasibility and requirements
- Development of infrastructure and the purchase of demountable levee panels. These will help protect key community facilities and maintain access road for vehicular movement