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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.
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 timeframes for this information may take up to 14 days.
Flemington Racecourse wall
In early May we released the Independent Panel’s final review of the impact of the Flemington racecourse floodwall on the October 2022 flood event. We’re now releasing a further assessment of the projected impact of the Flemington racecourse floodwall in the new 2024 and 2100 flood scenarios.
The report finds that under the 2024 scenario – which maps a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year – the average impact in the Maribyrnong township is 3.8cms of extra depth in a flood that is 130 centimetres deep.
The analysis finds that in Kensington Banks there is no added depth because of the wall – and in fact the wall has the effect of reducing the estimated flood depth by 5.1cms.
Note the 2024 flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring is more significant than the Maribyrnong River flood of 2022.
The report finds in the 2100 scenario there is little or no impact from the flood wall on Maribyrnong township or Kensington Banks as water overtops the flood wall.
You can find the report here at the Maribyrnong River Flood Review page at Let's Talk.
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.
Watch a recording of our 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.
Find out more
Let’s Talk
For more information and to keep up to date with progress, sign up to follow the Let’s Talk page.
Community flood education program
In partnership with VICSES and councils, we are running a flood education program to help people understand their flood risk and the actions they can take before, during and after a flood event to stay safe. Come along to an event near you and learn how to be flood ready.
Find out more by visiting the Melbourne Water prepare for flooding page.