Share your knowledge about past flood events in Newstead
Published on 27 May 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community members in Newstead to share their knowledge about flood events in the town.
The feedback will be used to inform the development of a flood study specific to Newstead, which will help Council understand flood protection and preparedness in the town.
Newstead has a history of flooding, with the town experiencing recent events in 2000, 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2022.
The Newstead Flood Study is a long-term project consisting of a number of stages. It will be informed by historical information, physical conditions, computer modelling and community feedback.
Mount Alexander Shire Councillor, Mayor Mathew Driscoll said the flood study will identify where improvements are needed and what other measures might be taken.
“We know that there are gaps in our knowledge about what happens when Newstead experiences a large-scale flood event,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“We want to change that using best practice analysis and community consultation.”
“Our community have ideas about what can be done to protect the area, and we’ll be asking for that feedback down the track.
“Right now, we’re asking community to share detailed information on their experience of past flood events, such as photographs, recordings of flood depths, and other relevant materials.”
“The more we hear from the community, the stronger our future planning for flood events can be,” said Mayor Driscoll.
Have your say
Community members in Newstead are invited to provide information on their experiences of flood events.
Photographs, recordings of flood depths and locations, or other relevant material that residents may have and would like to share is welcomed.
Information can be provided at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/newstead-flood-study.
Residents can also share their knowledge at a drop-in session at Mechanics Hall in Newstead on Wednesday 19 June from 3pm to 7pm.
Representatives from Council, the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Water Technology will be on-site from 3pm to 7pm to provide information about the study, and also collect any photographs and any other relevant material from community members.
Information gathered from residents during the first stage of community consultation will be used to complement existing technical data, and calibrate flood models being developed.
When completed, the Newstead Flood Study will provide recommendations on flood mitigation measures for the town, as well as inform engineering designs for an updated flood levee.
Construction of the flood levee or any further recommended flood mitigation works is subject to Council securing future funding.
Council is also working on a number of other initiatives that aim to increase flood protection in Newstead.
This includes plans to upgrade the existing flood gate, with a tender process for a contractor to undertake works currently underway. Note: the flood gate works are independent of the flood study.
Council’s Flood Resilience and Recovery Team are also working with Newstead community members to co-design a localised community flood preparedness and response plan. The plan, when complete, will help support disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and foster resilience to future events.
For more information about the Newstead Flood Study, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/newstead-flood-study or contact Council’s Project Manager, Scott Flanagan on 5471 1700.
The Newstead Flood Study is funded by the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund.