Local feedback sought on drainage strategy for Neerim South

Published on 20 July 2020

A flood mapping study and drainage strategy of Neerim South is now well progressed and once again seeks the local community’s input.

The project aims to develop a strategy to provide guidance on how to manage stormwater under current and future conditions, as well as give strategic direction on how to accommodate future developments and to comply with the land use planning regulations.

The project will also look at the risk of flooding and the impact in the drainage infrastructure due to previous subdivisions and potential new developments in this vibrant rural town.

Once developed, the strategy will be used by Council to assist with more accurate flood protection and include actions to improve the efficiency of the drainage system. The strategy will be informed by the community input and consider their ideas. It will contain detailed maps suitable for emergency management, planning scheme amendments, and community education and awareness.

Following on from the initial community consultation meeting in February 2020, submissions of flood photos and anecdotal evidence have been gathered to build a greater understanding of flooding and drainage requirements in Neerim South. This input has been used to update and validate the original flood modelling.

Thorough inspections in the town have also been conducted to assess flooding hot spots, erosion and drainage issues.

A second round of local community is now being sought to gain further understanding of flooding and drainage requirements in Neerim South.

Neerim South locals are encouraged to join an online Zoom meeting to provide further input and feedback. The meeting will be held from 4.00pm – 6.00pm on Thursday 30 July. Those wishing to participate will need to register their interest ahead of time at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay and a link to the Zoom meeting will be provided by email.

The webpage above also includes a link to an interactive mapping portal which residents can use to understand likely flood risk at their address and provide further feedback (should they be unable to attend the Zoom meeting). This link will available until Friday 7 August.

After receiving feedback and finalising flooding mapping and mitigation strategies, the study will be incorporated in a Township Drainage Strategy which will be presented to Council at a later date.

For further queries, or to submit any local flood or drainage information, please contact Council’s Civil Asset Planning team on 1300 229 229 (1300 BAW BAW) or email [email protected]

“Thank you to the Neerim South community for all the valuable input on this project so far. We look forward to hearing further local insights through this next stage of the project via the upcoming Zoom meeting or through the available link to Council’s website.”

“While we always do our best to capture local conditions, we know that no one knows and understand the issues in local townships like it’s residents. The Neerim South community is passionate and actively engaged in a variety of initiatives affecting their town. Local knowledge is essential to achieve the best outcomes.”

“We invite you join the process by providing comments and suggestions to proposed flood mitigation and drainage measures. To allow for current restrictions, a Zoom meeting will be held to ensure your involvement and safety. Your feedback is a valuable contribution to the development of a high-standard strategy.”