Flood Recovery

Significant rainfall in September 2016 – in some cases double the monthly average – caused much of the catchment to be with major flooding events. Twelve local government areas were affected by the September/October 2016 floods, with over 100 roads closed.

Aerial surveys indicated significant erosion had occurred as a result of the flooding at a large number sites across the region. Many sites that have suffered erosion were posing threats to public assets such as roads and bridges. All councils reported major infrastructure losses, stock, crop and fencing losses.

The Glenelg Hopkins CMA provided support at the Incident Control Centre in Heywood through these events, and has been involved in the Southern Grampians Shire-led multi-agency flood recovery group since the floods, contributing to the co-ordination of flood recovery activities in the region.

Initial site inspections occurred at over 300 sites across the Glenelg Hopkins region in response to requests from affected land managers and the results of aerial surveys in the upper Glenelg and upper Hopkins catchments.

The CMA completed flood remediation works across 47 sites in the Glenelg Hopkins region through the Commonwealth and Victoria Governments Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Works have included rock chutes, trickle pipe units, rock beaching, concrete structure repairs, pile field, woody revetment, coir log erosion control network, levees, crossing repairs and grassed chutes.

Additional funding was provided through the State Government’s Treasury Advance through DELWP.  This enabled fencing and revegetation works to protect the erosion control structures constructed through the NDRRA, as well as an additional nine erosion control works, to be completed.

In addition to undertaking flood recovery activities, the project has been a pilot for new OH&S systems for use during field and construction works and run the first Cultural Heritage Awareness training for construction contractors for the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

  • Wannon River in flood below Dunkeld
  • Glenelg Hopkins CMA undertaking aerial surveys in the upper Glenelg catchment
  • Completed rock chute
  • Coir log network in progress
  • Trickle pipe unit being installed
  • Revegetation at rock chute

Project Partners

Private land managers, Local Government, DELWP, VicRoads, forestry companies and traditional owner groups.

The Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s NDRRA AGRN728 Flood Recovery Project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victoria Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority proudly acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Victoria and their rich cultural diversity and intrinsic connection to country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We also recognise and acknowledge the contribution, interest and rights that Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities have in land and water management. We value our partnerships with them, for the health of people and Country.