The Victorian Government has announced funding for flood mitigation projects in Rochester and Echuca.

And the public is being asked to submit ideas for flood mitigation in Rochester.

One of 10 initiatives statewide, the Regional Flood Risk Reduction Grants Program will support infrastructure such as moveable barriers and floodgates.

Premier Jacinta Allan hopes the investment in mitigation can limit the impact of future disasters.

“There has been a significant amount of work done to rebuild communities after recent flood events, and we will continue to do what we can to support residents, business owners and others into the future,” she said.

“Supporting flood mitigation works will help communities plan ahead and minimise the impacts of emergencies.”

Funding for the projects will be shared between state and local government, including Campaspe Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and VICSES.

The funds will be administered by Emergency Management Victoria.

Help shape options for Rochester

The Rochester Flood Study is focusing on identifying practical options to reduce flooding and associated damage from flows on the Campaspe River floodplain.

The flood model has now been calibrated with data from the 2011, 2022 and 2024 flood events and is ready to test how various mitigation suggestions might perform.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said residents were now encouraged to submit ideas for flood mitigation, no matter how viable they may seem.

All suggestions will be assessed through a rigorous process. Promising options and combinations will be tested in the model to assess both their benefits and any potential adverse effects, including those caused by diverted flows.

Forms are available from Rochester library; submissions can be sent via email clearly marked ‘Rochester Flood Study’ to shire@campaspe.vic.gov.au; or can submitted online at campaspe.vic.gov.au/Plan-build/Works-projects/Rochester-Flood-Study-2025-Update

There will also be three drop-in sessions at Rochester Shire Hall, on Monday, August 25 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 4pm, and 5pm to 6.30pm.

Times can be booked by calling the council’s customer service team on 5481 2200 from Thursday, August 14. Suggestions close on Sunday, August 31.

– with Emily Donohue.

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