Funds for flood mitigation
Published on 19 March 2019
Flood mitigation works at Quambatook and a study into flood mitigation measures at Koondrook will occur thanks to a successful grant application.
Gannawarra Shire Council successfully applied for $366,000 of funding through Emergency Management Victoria’s 2017-18 Natural Disaster Resilience Grant Scheme for two important flood mitigation initiatives for the Gannawarra community.
The funds will enable the second stage of the Quambatook Township Flood Mitigation Works to proceed, as well as the development of the Koondrook Township Flood Study.
The scheme will provide $266,000 towards the $400,000 flood mitigation project at Quambatook, which involves the construction of a permanent earthen levee adjacent to the western bank of the Avoca River from Quambatook-Boort Road to Ninyeunook Road.
“This project will result in the completion of the second stage of a permanent levee bank construction in Quambatook, significantly reducing the risk of the impacts of future disaster from flood,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.
“Construction of Stage 1 of the Quambatook township levee will begin next month, whilst the completion of Stage 2 of this project is paramount to ensure the township is sufficiently protected from being inundated during a flood event.”
Council has also received $100,000 from the scheme to develop the Koondrook Township Flood Study, which will examine the potential impact of flood events on the township of Koondrook, as well as resolve and assess mitigation measures.
“Natural and man-made levees along Gunbower Creek and Murray River offer some protection to Koondrook from flooding of these waterways, however, the integrity of these levees is unknown and this study will identify gaps in the township’s flood mitigation security,” Mayor Learmonth said.
“Council needs to understand how flooding occurs around Koondrook to ensure the appropriate level of protection is provided.”
It is anticipated both projects will be completed by the end of the 2019/20 financial year.