FLOOD FUNDS FLOW
AUTHORITIES SPLASH OUT ON WARNING SYSTEM
AUTHORITIES have moved to better protect the public from a flooding black spot.
This week the Geelong Council, SES, State Government and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority launched a new automated flood warning system at Hovells Creek on Rennie St in Lara.
The system includes a sign with flashing lights that are automatically activated when water from Hovells Creek reaches the road, plus rain and flood height gauges that alert authorities.
The $52,000 project will be complemented by the launch of the $750,000 Lara flood study, which will give authorities further insight into how best to protect the region from flooding.
Rennie St typically closes when Hovells Creek floods, frustrating residents and putting drivers in danger. Cars can become trapped in just 15cm of water.
The road was closed during the once-in-a-century Geelong floods in 2016.
The flood study will be led by Geelong Council, who has invited Lara residents to share their experiences of flooding to help authorities better understand local risks.
“The Hovells Creek catchment is one of the city’s largest drainage catchments at 230 square kilometres in size,” Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
“Creek flooding can occur within as little as six to seven hours of rainfall into the catchment, and with Lara’s growing urban population, there’s also an increased risk of stormwater flooding.
“Given the significant cost of flooding to the community, we are pleased to be taking proactive action to help reduce the risks.”
Lara state Labor MP John Eren said the automated sign and launch of the study would better protect locals.
“Residents from Lara have worked with us to identify, assess and prioritise a range of local actions to assist with flood mitigation in our community,” Mr Eren said.
“The Victorian SES are clear about safety messages of driving through flooded roads — the updated Rennie Street flood sign will help keep our people safe. There’s more work to do and the Lara study will deliver improved local knowledge to assist in protecting the community.”