The new Maribyrnong River flood model is now available
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.
The modelling was released with mapping showing the extent of floodwaters. We have now developed additional mapping to help illustrate flood depth information. You can find the flood mapping on Let's Talk.
The impact of a flood at your property depends on the flood depth but also the clearance between the floor of your house or other buildings and the ground.
Call us on 131 722 or email [email protected] for specific flood information for your property. Our team can lodge a request on your behalf. Response times can take up to 14 days.
About the model
Melbourne Water has released a new Maribyrnong River Flood Model to better understand current and future flood information in the Maribyrnong River region. This new model includes both 2024 and projected 2100 flood extent scenarios.
This new model has the most up-to-date data about the Maribyrnong River, including the flood plain and changes in the surrounding urban environment, which impacts rainfall run off. It is also calibrated to the most recent flood event that took place in October 2022.
This model also incorporates 2100 climate change projections. It is one of the first models in Melbourne Water’s broader fast-tracked program to model every catchment in Melbourne with 2100 climate projections by 2026.
Both the 2024 and 2100 scenarios are based on a flood event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. This is known as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1% AEP).
This new model is a significant milestone in us working together with our partners, customers, stakeholders and community to better prepare for:
- emergency planning
- community awareness and preparedness
- land use planning decisions
- potential flood mitigation where workable; and
- other options to manage flood risk in the Maribyrnong River region.
Community webinar
Hear industry experts give an overview of the new Maribyrnong River flood model.
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 by going to Let's Talk and registering 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.
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.