Flood scoping study planned for Winton township

Due to there being no flood data available for this area the study aims to identify all available historic flood information for Winton to understand and characterise the flood risk for the township.

The study seeks to increase awareness of flood risk in Winton, inform future updates to the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan and assess what further work may be required to manage flood risks.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said the study would assist the local community and Victoria State Emergency Service in preparing for future flood events.

“(It will also) inform future updates to the Benalla Rural City Council Flood Emergency Plan and assist to determine what measures may be appropriate to manage the flood risks identified,” Cr Hearn said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority, and this flood scoping study is a crucial step in ensuring that we are equipped to mitigate and manage potential flood risks in the Winton township.”

Residents in the study area will shortly receive a mailed-out survey from Stantec, enabling them to contribute to the study.

“We are pleased to have Stantec on board, with their vast experience in water management,” Cr Hearn said.

“We look forward to working with our partners in emergency management to conduct further flood studies in other areas that also have limited or no flood data.”

The study will investigate the extent to which flooding from Winton Creek and Seven Mile Creek impacts the Winton township and its surrounds, assess the natural and man-made features influencing flood conditions, and identify whether a floodplain management study is needed to further assess possible mitigation options.

For more information about the flood scoping study or to obtain a copy of the survey, please contact Benalla Rural City Council on 5760 2600.