Riverside trails and parklands often bear the brunt of these floods, sometimes remaining impassable for weeks. And open spaces like Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale South Reserve and Gordon O’Keefe Reserve are left unusable long after the floodwaters subside.
Low bridges such as the one on Cottrell Street are no match for the surging torrents. It becomes completely submerged, cutting the area in two and creating traffic chaos – and frustration.
“When Cottrell Street bridge goes under, all the traffic pours onto Watton Street. It’s bad enough on a regular day, but during floods, it’s just gridlock.”
The impact isn’t limited to recreation and infrastructure. Businesses along Watton Street face real threats when the river breaks its banks. From financial losses to physical damage, these enterprises are on the frontline of the river’s unpredictability.
A longstanding history of flooding
Floods aren’t new to the area, or limited to the Werribee River. Significant floods occurred in 1973, 1983, 1995, 2004 and 2011 – each leaving its mark on the community.
Lollypop Creek has its own history of flooding, often impacting major crossings and arterial roads. In February 1973, floodwaters spilled over the Melbourne-Geelong Railway line, forcing it to close for repairs. The Princes Freeway was shut for hours, and farmland was extensively flooded. Skeleton Creek also severely flooded in the years that followed, adding to the challenges.
The 1983 October floods also stand out for their severity. Homes on Wattamolla Avenue were heavily sandbagged, and two houses on Guyra Court were so inundated they were eventually demolished and never rebuilt. The floods didn’t just wreak havoc on properties; they shut down key transport routes, disrupting the lives of thousands.
Increasing unpredictability
The Werribee River continues to pose risks, especially as extreme weather events become more regular. In October 2022 a major flood alert was issued, warning that 70 properties – including a local shopping strip – were at risk.
Long-time residents expressed their shock at the river’s intensity. “Under this raging river is the actual bridge we use to drive to school. In the 19 years I’ve lived here, I’ve never seen the river this high.”
“I’ve lived here for almost 40 years,” says a long-time Werribee resident. “Flooding has always been an issue, but it feels like it’s getting worse. Climate change is making things more unpredictable – it’s definitely time to rethink how we manage this problem.”
The need for proactive solutions
Looking to the future, both residents and officials are calling for investment in flood infrastructure. Some believe that a higher bridge at Cottrell Street could make a difference. “We need to stop patching things up and start building something that lasts. A proper bridge could save us from this constant disruption.”
