Melbourne Water has committed to updating all flood models across the Port Phillip and Westernport catchments by 2026. The modelling program reflects new modelling standards and predicted climate change impacts to the year 2100.
Melbourne Water works in partnership with many other agencies that have responsibility for flooding. As the Floodplain Manager for the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchments, Melbourne Water is responsible for understanding flood impacts and taking appropriate action to minimise flood risks. To meet these obligations, Melbourne Water models flood risk across our region and works with agencies to implement this new flood information into emergency plans and planning schemes.
It is important that flood risk is understood, so communities and agencies can be prepared and know what actions to take before any flood and in the event of a flood.
About the Maribyrnong River Flood Model
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 new Maribyrnong River Flood Model is a riverine flood model and provides the latest flood information for the Maribyrnong River. It uses the most up to date data about rainfall and run-off, the physical features of the floodplain and nearby urban areas, and is calibrated to the most recent flood in October 2022 for accurate results.
Two different flooding scenarios are mapped. A current day 2024 flood scenario and a forecasted 2100 flood scenario.
- The 2024 scenario shows the predicted flood extent and flood depths for today. The 2024 flood extent will be used for emergency planning purposes.
- The 2100 scenario shows the predicted flood extent and flood depths under a climate change scenario in the year 2100. The 2100 flood extent will be used for planning and development decisions. This is the information to consider if you are planning to redevelop or renovate your property.
Head to Let's Talk: Maribyrnong River Flood Model
- Flood modelling – learn about the importance of flood models and our flood modelling program
- Flood maps – download the flood maps and check if you’re property is in a flood extent
- Flooding and your property – if you’re in a flood extent, find out what you should do next
- Flood mitigation study – contribute to our mitigation study and stay up to date
- Community events – find out about current events and catch up on previous events
- Prepare for flooding – be flood ready so you can protect the things and people you love most
- Contact us