Farmers win water battle
Flood repair works set to begin
VICROADS says it is seeking “relevant approvals” to start essential repair work on a flood-prone section of land.
More than six months after initially promising to start flood repair works on Marshall farm land, VicRoads is now seeking permission from CCMA and VicTrack so repair works can begin.
The decision is a victory for farmers Dick Wylie and Colin Chapman who have been left defeated and frustrated by a three-year battle with the State Government and local authorities.
Their properties were susceptible to flooding from the nearby Waurn Ponds Creek after the construction of the new Breakwater Bridge.
Mr Chapman says the problem first emerged in 2016 when the Waurn Ponds Creek flooded sending thousands of litres of water onto Mr Chapman’s and Mr Wylie’s properties. Construction of the new Breakwater Bridge saw VicRoads install a culvert under the trainline, which allows the water to spill onto the farmland.
“Before it (the culvert) was installed we had never been flooded by the Waurn Ponds Creek and I’ve been here 30 years,” Mr Chapman said.
After years of dispute VicRoads said it hoped to start repair works by March. In early June, VicRoads said the working group, which includes VicRoads, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and the city, would meet on June 7 to decide on the most suitable option to “reduce flooding”.
Yesterday, the farmers had not yet heard from authorities.
But, responding to the Geelong Advertiser’s questions VicRoads Regional Director South West Mark Koliba said a solution had been determined.
“We’ve been working with the City of Greater Geelong and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to develop a solution which addresses the concerns of local residents and limits the impact to the flood plains,” Mr Koliba said.
“We’re planning to raise the height of the weir under the Geelong-Warrnambool rail line bridge to help divert excess water from the nearby wetlands into the Waurn Ponds Creek and away from local properties.”
An analysis of the impact works would have on the upstream waterway is completed and a targeted flora and fauna study is not required. The relevant approvals are now being sought to allow works on the weir to begin.
City’s director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said the council and CCMA would provide support to VicRoads.
Mr Chapman said VicRoads now needed to set a concrete time frame for the works.