The move marks a significant step forward in seeing the levee become a reality, but councillors warned it was one stage of many to come.
Under the design, a 2.6km levee system, stormwater retarding basins and permanent pump stations would be built to protect 275 properties in the area.
Cr Rob Amos said the endorsement outlined an appropriate location for the proposed design, and conversations about funding could now follow.
“It is something that we can't do by ourselves ― we need state and federal (government) funding to help us with this,” he said.
“The project will require quite a few endorsements and approvals from different bodies to get to the next stage.”
The council will also need to negotiate land access, with stage one of construction focused on the most vulnerable area between Mitchell St and the water treatment plant.
Director of infrastructure Kate Lemon said the endorsement enabled the project team to progress detailed approvals and prepare the works for delivery as funding came up.
“The functional design strikes the right balance between robust flood protection and environmental stewardship,” she said.
Cr John Zobec said there was “no way” the full amount budgeted for the project could be funded by the council alone.
While supportive of the security the levee would provide, Cr Zobec raised concerns about the price of conserving the infrastructure.
“The burden to council will be to maintain the levee, which will be a cost,” he said.
Cr Zobec mentioned the prospect of a “special charge” for Echuca East residents who would benefit from the levee’s protection.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the endorsement reflected the council’s commitment to building a safe and resilient community.
"This project is about protecting homes, reducing economic and social impacts, and ensuring Echuca East is prepared for future flood events and the challenges of climate change," he said.
“Council’s endorsement ensures the project will be ‘shovel-ready’ when funding opportunities arise, positioning Echuca East for a safer future.”
The functional design was developed by Dryside Engineering in close consultation with the Echuca East community and key stakeholders.
The council said its extensive engagement found strong community support for the proposal.
A full report is available on the Campaspe Shire Council website under its Tuesday, December 9 meeting agenda.
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