Investment to help Seymour build flood resilience
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
An additional $730,000 will be tipped into the design and construction of a flood levee bank at Seymour to protect the community from future flood events.
The money announced today will fund stage one of the project, including detailed design, reports and planning approvals for a flood levee bank. It will include preparation of cultural heritage and environmental management plans and the design of a levee to withstand a flood that statistically occurs only once in 100 years.
The funding is in addition to the $1.6 million the Victorian Government has already committed through the Regional Growth Fund for the second stage of the project.
Construction of the levee will provide economic and social benefits to the people living and working in the town and surrounding areas.
Seymour has a history of flooding from the Goulburn River and Whiteheads Creek, with a 2001 flood study estimating annual average flood damages at $490,000. Approximately 400 buildings in Seymour are vulnerable in the event of a major flood.
The Victorian Government has made a $65,700 contribution to stage one, as part of a number of investments made to boost Victoria's capacity to deal with floods.
The Commonwealth Government and Mitchell Shire Council have also contributed to the project.
The Victorian Government's response to the floods has been driven by its understanding of the strength of our regional communities and the importance of supporting their recovery and future resilience.
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said it was important governments worked with communities to improve disaster protection and local strategies to deal with disasters.
"The Commonwealth has already spent $500 million to help Victorian communities rebuild after last summer's devastating floods, with more to come," Mr McClelland said.
"Governments also need to invest in helping communities become more resilient in the face of disasters.
"We'll never be able to eradicate disasters but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.
"That's why the Commonwealth Government is providing $4.7 million for agencies, community groups and local councils as part of the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme."
