The plan’s adoption was delayed by a month while council sought clarification on governance oversight and peer reviews behind its development.
Mayor John Harvie said the adoption of the plan was an important step in implementing some of the recommended mitigation measures.
“The plan outlines priority flood mitigation works in Moama, including addressing inadequate freeboard in the Moama Town Levee System and the need for a new levee near the Tindarra Resort to prevent breakout flows,” he said.
“Council has sought grant funding to commence design of these works, but this is contingent on having an adopted plan in place.”
The adopted plan recommends a range of actions, including flood mitigation, works, updates to development controls, and improvements to local flood warning systems.
These measures aim to reduce the risk and potential damage from future riverine flooding events and support responding agencies during emergencies.
Key proposed flood modification measures in Moama’s plan include:
- The construction of a new levee along the Murray River near Tindarra Resort, with provisions for a temporary levee during the interim period.
- Upgrading the existing Moama Town Levee to ensure adequate freeboard.
- Reviewing and enhancing council’s stormwater drainage system to prevent backflow from the river.
- Installing permanent stormwater pumps at Chanter St.
- Completing a pre-feasibility study for a levee at Bartlett St.
While the plan has been officially endorsed, not all councillors were in agreement on the matter.
Cr Gen Campbell raised concerns about the role of weirs and dams in flood mitigation, suggesting that some flooding was “man-made” due to poor water management, rather than solely climate change.
She also said the plan was being pushed through too quickly because of funding pressures.
“I’m hesitating on anything to do with this,” she said.
“To be told that we won’t get funding if we don’t accept — I don’t accept blackmail either, and I represent my community ... it’s about time councils took a stand and started representing their people.”
Had the plan not been adopted, council would have lost $44,000 in additional funding and eligibility for future grants to complete the recommended works.
The endorsement passed with support from all councillors except Cr Kylie Berryman, Cr Bianca Hurn and Cr Campbell.
The Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan is the second stage of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study and Risk Management Plan Project.
Development of the Draft Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan was supported by a public exhibition period, including a community information drop-in session.
Several submissions were also made through the council’s Your Say page, the community meeting and through email and meetings with staff and councillors.
The Moama Flood Risk Management Study and Plan will be available for viewing on council’s website.
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