Two of the basins as seen looking south over Yarrawonga’s industrial park.
A $12 million overall project to ensure flooding events in Yarrawonga West will become a thing of the past is now in formation.
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The matter to adopt the Yarrawonga West Catchment Drainage Masterplan and for officers to continue to seek external funding contributions for delivery of the masterplan was put forward in a recommendation to Moira Shire Council at the July ordinary meeting after community consultation was carried out between June 3 and July 1.
By implementing a masterplan, this will provide clear guidance in delivering necessary flood mitigation, storm water treatment and drainage infrastructure to be constructed in Yarrawonga West to alleviate current storm water management issues within the catchment and provide necessary infrastructure for future growth within the catchment.
Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson PSM said external agencies were responsive and supportive while the community feedback was well informed.
“This report and the masterplan presented is a really important strategic document to address a significant issue which has existed in Yarrawonga West for some time,” Dr Emonson said.
“All locals will be aware of the issues with the drainage and flooding from time to time and it is incumbent on us as the drainage authority to have a view about how this can be addressed in the future.
“The two purposes for this is one, to address the current issues but secondly, we get this right and it will allow for future development on what is already earmarked as future development areas.
“It is important we get the plan in place now and not put ourselves in catch-up mode later.
“It is a big price-tag attached to this masterplan but there will be various funding sources and some will sit with developer external funding.
“A detailed planning is the next step.”
The 2012 floods inundated buildings in Yarrawonga West, from homes along Havenstock Drive (pictured) to businesses in the industrial park and cut off streets and roads for days.
To develop the masterplan will cost $160,000 while stage one design and construction, stage two design and stage three design will cost a total $4.95 million in the 2025/26 financial year.
Once the masterplan is complete and all works are concluded, the total project will cost $11,805,000 with $4,513,350 put forward by council and the remaining $5,691,650 sourced through external funding.
This cost breakdown does not include expansions required for development or future S173/DCP charges on developers in the catchment for Basins two, three and four.
The Development Contribution Scheme investment for Basins two, three and four from Reillys Road, Chicken Hill, 84 Benalla Road and 102 Old Wilby Road development is estimated at $3,000,000.
Concerns also displayed by several community members surrounding using McNamara Track to pump from Basin four to three were answered with council reiterating that the width of the walking track along McNamara Walk is sufficient to install the proposed 300mm outfall pipe between Basin four and Basin three to avoid tree removal and any works will include, at a minimum, reinstatement of the path to the current standards.
Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan said enhancing community resilience through infrastructure planning was a key focus for council.
“Council’s priority is to safeguard homes and businesses from severe weather events, like flooding and the draft master plan identifies flood-prone areas, develops effective flood prevention measures, and ensures new developments meet required drainage standards,” Mr Morgan said.
“By creating this comprehensive plan, council aims to reduce flooding risks and support sustainable growth in Yarrawonga.
“Council understands the impact storm flooding has on the community and is committed to implementing positive changes through this master plan.”
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