Council seeks community input to confirm flood modelling in Myrtleford
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Feedback will help Council's development of the Myrtleford Flood Study being prepared in partnership with the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) and Venant Solutions Pty Ltd.
The Myrtleford Flood Study will assess the risk posed by riverine flooding from the Ovens and Buffalo Rivers along with the Happy Valley, Buffalo and Barwidgee Creeks based on the current conditions of the waterways and the Happy Valley Creek breakaway.
It will also assess the impact that the climate change is expected to have on future rainfall levels.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, said local knowledge is invaluable to ensuring the accuracy of a final Myrtleford Flood Study.
"The Alpine Shire is prone to flooding due to rapid runoff, intense rainfall and seasonal snowmelt, exacerbated by land use changes and climate patterns," he said.
"This has specific impact on Myrtleford because, in flood conditions, Happy Valley Creek and the adjacent floodplain carries a significant portion of the total Ovens River flow in immediate proximity to the urban centre of Myrtleford.
"Community members who have experienced previous flooding events or could be directly impacted by future flooding events in the area are encouraged to review the flood maps and provide feedback on their accuracy."
Following engagement with community members throughout 2024, Council is continuing work on the flood study to collate previous data, and provide a detailed riverine flood modelling and mapping for the townships of Myrtleford, Ovens and surrounding areas.
This information will be used to protect communities, guide sustainable development and enhance resilience against future flood events.
Community feedback will be used to update and finalise the flood maps for the Myrtleford area so that they can be used to inform planning decisions and emergency responses into the future.
Community members can review the flood maps and provide feedback online through Engage Alpine: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/myrtleford-flood-study
Submissions close on Sunday, 25 August 2024.