The City of Greater Geelong is set to begin catchment modelling and preliminary investigation work as part of a $520,000 effort to address major flash flooding in the region.
The Federal Government has awarded the City with a $250,000 Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) Round One 2023-24 grant, with Council to provide a $270,000 co-contribution.
The Greater Geelong Connected Network Analysis – Flood Mitigation project will assess flood points across the municipality where significant flooding events have occurred, with a focus on the Central Geelong Catchment (includes Geelong, parts of Newtown and Geelong West) and South Geelong Catchment (includes the suburbs of South Geelong, Newtown, Breakwater and Thomson).
The project will guide Council and stakeholders such as the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority on where to direct funding for drainage upgrades or water management solutions, while delivering up-to-date information for building and planning controls and emergency management modelling.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said the project would be valuable as weather events continue to get more intense.
“As we know, weather patterns are changing and the Geelong region is experiencing more frequent major rain events,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“We need this modelling to help us plan for drainage upgrades where there’s a need identified.”
Deputy Mayor, Anthony Aitken, said the Council group welcomed this announcement and the financial support from the Federal Government to undertake this important project.
“Flash flooding is happening with more regularity and there have been some well documented examples across the whole city,” Cr Aitken said.
“It is hoped this project enables us to better understand flash flooding, our drainage assets and help inform future investment.”
The community will be invited to provide critical insights and information during a public engagement period.
