The updated data from the survey will build on information collected during the previous 2004 survey of the area and will support the Victoria SES and other emergency agencies in planning for and responding to potential flood events, including evacuation planning where required.
The Tatura survey follows on from floor-level surveys completed last year in Kialla, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Shepparton East and Shepparton North, Toolamba, and surrounding rural areas along the Goulburn and Broken rivers, as well as Sevens and Castle Creeks.
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, secured funding from Emergency Management Victoria under the National Partnership Agreement for Disaster Risk Reduction to undertake floor‑ level surveys.
Council has appointed Onleys Consulting to carry out this work, which will take place from mid-May to the end of June.
Surveyors will require access to the front doorstep of properties to collect GPS-measured floor level data but will not need to enter homes or outbuildings.
All surveyors will carry identification and a letter from the council authorising their work.
Council sustainable development director Geraldine Christou said floor-level surveys played an important role in improving flood risk management for the region.
“Close to 16,000 homes were surveyed in flood-prone areas last year and now we can expand this work to other towns within Greater Shepparton,” she said.
“This project is a vital investment in our community’s safety and resilience.
“By updating flood mapping and intelligence, we can better prepare for and respond to future flood events.”
Ms Christou said the data collected would enhance the Goulburn Broken Flood Intelligence Portal, “which provides crucial information for emergency planning, land-use decisions, and insurance pricing”.
“It will also help refine the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan to ensure our region is as prepared as possible,” she said.
Residents seeking more information about the survey can visit the SES Greater Shepparton Flood Guide at ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/flood-guides/greater-shepparton-city-council or the Goulburn Broken Community Flood Intelligence Portal at my.floodreport.com.au/gbcma/