The Chiltern floodplain study, a joint initiative of Indigo Shire Council and North East Catchment Management Authority, is progressing well with detailed surveys and preliminary flood mapping complete.

The consultants undertaking the study, Water Technology P/L, presented initial findings at public meetings in Chiltern and Barnawartha on the 21^st June, 2006.

Indigo Shire Council Assets Manager Mr Phil Prior said the aim of the meetings was to present preliminary findings to the public and to gain local input on flood levels and flood issues.

He said the 20 people who attended both meetings provided valuable data that will greatly assist Water Technology to refine the extent and cause of flooding and to develop concepts and remedial measures to ensure flooding is minimised in the future.

“There have also been a significant number of written submissions received which have also added greatly to Council’s awareness of the issues,” he said.

“It is not too late for people to have their say – details of the flood study and questionnaires are still available at the Chiltern WAW office or people may write directly to Council or contact Council's project manager, Phil Prior with comments.

“The outcomes of the study will include engineering measures and improvements to the system to assist with the movement of floodwaters through the townships.

“Importantly, the strategy will also establish maintenance regimes to ensure systems are operating at their peak to minimise property damage. The study will also clearly define flood areas for use in refining appropriate land uses through the Indigo Planning Scheme.”

Mr Prior said one area of concern in both the written and verbal submissions had been the perceived lack of maintenance of drainage systems throughout Chiltern and the potential for reoccurrence of the recent flooding.

He said Council's maintenance staff had been active in undertaking immediate and necessary maintenance undertakings such as cleaning of pits, open drains near outlets and some vegetation clearance to ensure existing systems are functioning.

“However Council has not undertaken major maintenance works such as the bulk clearing of open drains or alterations to any engineering structures such as surface drainage pits, as these works are dependent on the findings of the study undertaken by Water Technology,” he said.

“Council is mindful that improvement works must be taken in a planned and strategic manner as the perceived rectification of a drainage problem in one location can lead to a problem further downstream, very much to the detriment of residents in that area.

“Council has allocated some $60,000 in its draft 2006/07 budget to undertake some improvements to the system, once the flood strategy is complete.”

The extent of works necessary and final costings will be known in September 2006, and at this time, Council will consider the further needs of Chiltern and Barnawartha residents.