The Andrews Labor Government is helping to reduce the impacts of future flooding at Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon in response to the major flooding event in October 2022.
A technical assessment of the operating and infrastructure arrangements at Lake Eppalock will be undertaken to determine if changing the operating rules or infrastructure could improve protection for downstream communities from future flooding.
Before January 2011, there had only ever been flows through the primary spillway. On 14 October 2022 flows over all three spillways peaked at 103,000 ML/day – marking the largest flow ever recorded over the spillway.
The technical assessments for Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon will be used to support the local council and catchment management authorities in their regular review of flood mitigation strategies.
The assessment will engage an expert to look at a range of options – including whether the installation of gates or other infrastructure (such as a bigger release valve) could support the operation of Lake Eppalock prior to and during flood events as well as the costs associated with any changes.
This technical assessment will be undertaken in close consultation with North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Campaspe Shire and once completed will support the review of the Rochester flood plans.
The rights of existing entitlement holders will be considered in the assessment including any upstream impacts on landholders.
The assessment is expected to take six months to complete, and the findings will be made public.
An assessment of the operating arrangements of Lake Eildon will also be undertaken and provided to local councils and Goulburn Broken CMA who are managing the current Goulburn and Broken Rivers Flood Study.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“Last year Lake Eppalock experienced the largest water flows ever recorded over its spillways – these assessments will provide clarity for the local community around future flood response and management.”
“These assessments will provide valuable opportunities to protect local communities from future flooding while taking account of the rights of existing entitlement holders, and managing potential risks and costs.”
Reviewed 23 February 2023