Greater Shepparton City Council is welcoming Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from members of the Murchison community to join the Project Steering Committee for the Murchison Floodplain Management Study.

Council, supported by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA), has secured funding through the Risk and Resilience Program to undertake this vital project. The Risk and Resilience Grants Program is funded by the Australian Government and Victorian Government through the National Partnership Agreement.


Purpose

This initiative aims to strengthen flood resilience and mitigate flood risks in Murchison. The study will assess flood risks, update modelling and mapping, and develop a comprehensive Floodplain Management Plan to enhance the safety and resilience of the Murchison community, which has experienced flooding in the township and surrounds.

The project will help ensure the community is well-prepared for future flood events. This is a vital initiative to help reduce the impacts of flooding in Murchison. By updating flood intelligence, exploring structural and non-structural measures, and engaging with the community, we aim to create a safer and more resilient future for the region.

Key objectives of this project include:

  • Updating flood intelligence products: Enhancing our understanding of flood risks to improve emergency response planning.
  • Developing and assessing flood mitigation works: Evaluating potential physical changes to the floodplain to mitigate flooding.
  • Identifying additional flood mitigation strategies: Exploring planning controls, information and education initiatives, and flood warning systems.


Process

Data collection

Flood modelling updates

Floodplain Management Study


The study will involve:

  • Structural mitigation options assessment
  • Flood Intelligence information:
    • recorded flood level marks
    • inundated buildings, properties and roads
    • flood photography (aerial, helicopter obliques, ground)
    • community observations
  • Municipal Flood Emergency Plan tables
  • Murchison Local Flood Guide update recommendations
  • Assessment of flood warning infrastructure and response plan
  • Floodplain Management Plan
Murchison Flood Level Marks Map

Example of recorded flood level mark data.

1974: 19 flood level marks available (green)
2022: 53 flood marks available (red)

Join the Project Steering Committee

The Project Steering Committee will include local representatives to ensure the community’s voice is central to the planning process. Members will have the opportunity to provide insights on flood impacts, review deliverables, and contribute to key aspects of the project.

    The committee will consist of approximately 10 members and will meet up to six times throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by May 2026. Beyond the committee, the community will have opportunities to provide input through public information sessions, mail-outs, and a survey in mid-2025.

    Community members with local knowledge and a desire to contribute to this important project are encouraged to nominate for the Project Steering Committee.


    For more information, contact Council’s Strategic Planning Team on (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au