Community events
Talk to us in person at events across the catchment area.
This study supports work to identify, develop and implement flood mitigation options for the lower Maribyrnong River catchment.
The options will help to reduce overall risk from the possibility and consequences of a flood, while reflecting community values as much as possible.
Share your feedback
In Phase 1 of the study, we asked about what you value in your local environment and the flood mitigation options you’d like to see explored. This has informed the long-list of mitigation options and evaluation criteria used to assess them.
We’re now seeking your feedback on these in Phase 2 of the study, which runs until Sunday 7 December 2025.
Long-list of flood mitigation options
Help us narrow down the options into a shortlist, and influence how we go on to prioritise them.
Evaluation criteria
Tell us if this reflects your feedback and what’s important to you, to inform how we apply this in future phases of the study.
More ways to get involved
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Small group discussions
Local community groups and organisations can request to meet with us.
Community Partnership Panels
We’re hosting another round of panels for this phase of the study.
What happens next
Sunday 7 December 2025:
- Phase 2 engagement ends
Late 2025 to early 2026:
- Seek your feedback on the engagement approach for Phase 2: what’s working or could be improved?
- Review feedback collected and share a summary
- Use the feedback and evaluation criteria to help shortlist flood mitigation options
Early to mid 2026:
- Phase 3 begins
- Share the shortlist of flood mitigation options for community feedback
To receive email updates on the study and future opportunities to get involved, select the ‘follow’ button at the top of this page.
About the study
The study will investigate flood mitigation options which aim to support a reduction in future flood risk, and which prioritise the safety of communities in the catchment area.
Options could include:Traditional options
For example:
- reservoirs
- dams
- retarding basins.
Innovative options
For example:
- nature-based solutions such as restoring wetlands
- creating ‘spongy’ catchment areas where the hard surfaces of urban areas are cleared to allow the landscape to absorb water.
Traditional options
For example:
- zoning and development restrictions
- flood warning systems
- community education
- emergency management plans.
Innovative options
For example:
- flood-resilient homes
- improved preparedness through community response rehearsals.
Due to the size and diversity of the Maribyrnong River catchment, a number of options are likely to be identified. These might include options that could be implemented in the short and medium term (at least 5 years), and others which will take considerable time to implement (at least 10-15 years).
The study started in early 2025 and is expected to finish by mid-2026.
Latest updates
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Phase 1: What you told us
You shared what you value about your local environment and community, and mitigation options you'd like to see explored.
What we heard: your experience with flooding
Our online survey asked about your experiences and ideas for flood mitigation options to inform a ‘long-list’ of potential options.
Melbourne Water respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong, Gunaikurnai,
Taungurung, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples as the Traditional
Owners and Custodians of the land and water on which we rely and operate.
We
pay our deepest respects to their Elders - past, present and emerging.
