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Today we are sharing two updates in relation to the Maribyrnong River flood modelling -

• Additional mapping to help illustrate flood depth information. This new mapping complements the previously released mapping of flood extents. You can find the flood mapping and more information about the Maribyrnong River flood modelling here.
• A further assessment of the impact of the Flemington racecourse floodwall in the new 2024 and 2100 1% AEP flood scenarios. In summary this report finds the projected impact of the flood wall under the 2024 1% AEP flood scenario predicts a less than 1% increase in flood extent with slightly increased depths upstream from the Flemington racecourse while at Kensington Banks there is no projected increase in flood levels due to the wall. The analysis finds that in the 2100 scenario there is little or no impact from the floodwall as the water would over top the wall. You can find the report here.

In April Melbourne Water released new flood modelling for the Maribyrnong River to help the community and agencies better understand flood risk across the catchment.

The modelling takes into account the impacts of climate change and other changes in the catchment, including further urban development. It uses sophisticated technology to get the most accurate picture of potential risk for certain flood events.

It’s important we have this information so we can be prepared. This preparation includes informing the community about their flood risk and actions they can take to be flood ready, supporting future planning decisions, and investigating potential flood mitigations such as levees, drainage and retarding basins.

If you would like to find out the specific flood information for your property you can call us on 131 722 or email [email protected], and our team will be able to lodge a request on your behalf. Please note, our time frames for this information may take up to 14 days.

What’s next

Flood mitigation study

The completion of the new flood model enables Melbourne Water to further progress assessment of potential long term sustainable flood mitigation options for the Maribyrnong River catchment.

You can find out more about the study here, and register your interest.

Emergency management planning

We have initiated the work with VICSES and Councils to translate the new 2024 flood scenario information into municipal Flood Emergency Management Plans and community Local Flood Guides. This is the information households can use to develop their own individual flood emergency plan. For further information and resources, go to the VICSES website here.

Planning controls

We’ll be working with Local and State Government to use the new model to update municipal planning schemes. The planning scheme amendment process ensures there is an opportunity for community feedback via a public exhibition process. We’re anticipating the amendment process will commence in the second half of this year. 

Related information

Maribyrnong River Flood Model page on letstalk.melbournewater.com.au

Maribyrnong River Flood Review page on letstalk.melbournewater.com.au