The 2024-2034 Stormwater Management Plan was unanimously endorsed by Yarra Ranges Council at its September 10 meeting.
“This important comprehensive action plan puts the foundations in place for how Council will manage stormwater while balancing the environmental needs and improving water quality for the next 10 years,” a Council representative said.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said that the Council is committed to investing in stormwater management over the coming years.
“We know that this document and subsequent actions are important to our residents, and that’s why we have committed to spend $16million over the next six years to address stormwater issues,” Ms Todorov said.
“There is a level of anxiety and worry for some in our community each time there is heavy rain, and we’ve heard how distressing flooding is. There were many opportunities for our community to provide feedback on our plan and it’s important that they feel heard.
“We also hope to take some of the stories we have heard back to other levels of government to demonstrate the importance of continued funding support.
“As well as the development of this plan, we have been advocating to all levels of government about the importance of considering the drainage infrastructure for future developments and the consequential impacts on established homes.
“Flooding and stormwater management is under the spotlight at the moment, and not just in the Yarra Ranges.
“We are pleased that we have been able to secure funding to partner with Melbourne Water regarding the flood mapping which will be now undertaken across our whole municipality,” said Cr Todorov.
Over the next 10 years, flood maps of key areas within the municipality, including rural areas will be mapped.
Flood mapping uses historical flood data and modern mapping techniques to accurately predict where water will flow and where flooding may occur during storm events.
Flood maps also include information of how deep a flood may get and how fast and hazardous a flood may become.
“This plan considers the size and differing topography across our municipality. Due to this, we need to work out various actions that can mitigate or adapt to these requirements and this plan provides that strategic flexibility,” Cr Todorov said.
“Our next steps are to start recruiting for a Community Reference Panel who will be involved in the ongoing work and deliverables of this plan which will also be reported back to Council every two years.
“This process for the Community Panel will become public in November and we would encourage any resident who is yet to connect with Council officers about flooding issues to contact us on 1300 368 333,” said Cr Todorov.