Flood study for Donald
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
The Victorian Government is providing $135,000 towards a detailed flood investigation at Donald.
Visiting Donald today, Water Minister Peter Walsh announced the study which will cost $150,000 in total and will improve the accuracy of flood behaviour predictions for the Richardson River.
"The community of Donald has shown great resilience in some very difficult times," Mr Walsh said.
The January flood was the largest on record for Donald, exceeding the height of the previously largest flood in 1909 by about 200mm.
About 31 houses were affected, along with 11 of the aged care facility's self contained units and many businesses including motels, the local swimming pool and other sporting and public infrastructure.
The town almost flooded in September and November last year as well and it was only the efforts of the community to extensively sandbag the town that saved it from being fully inundated.
This investigation will use techniques to accurately predict flood behaviour for the Richardson River at Donald for all flood events.
The extent and depth of flooding expected during a range of floods, including a flood that may occur once in 200 years, will be simulated.
The knowledge and recommendations gained from the investigation will help the community prepare for future floods and improve flood warning and flood response.
The community will be consulted during the investigation to ensure local knowledge and understanding of the floods was captured. A community reference group, including representatives from Buloke Skire, North Central Catchment Management Authority, VicSES, Goulburn-Murray Water, the Bureau of Meteorology and VicRoads, will be established to oversee the delivery of the investigation.
Funding for the project is part of a $2.4 million Victorian Government investment to boost the state's capacity for flood mitigation and increase flood-intelligence, with an additional $15,000 contributed by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said it was important governments worked with communities to improve disaster protection and local strategies to deal with disasters.
"Governments also need to invest in helping communities become more resilient in the face of disasters," Mr McClelland said.
"We'll never be able to eradicate disasters but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.
