The Victorian Government confirmed last week the assessment would be undertaken to determine if changing the operating rules or infrastructure could improve protection for downstream communities from future flooding.
Water Minister Harriet Shing said the assessment would be undertaken in close consultation with Campaspe Shire Council and North Central Catchment Management Authority, and once completed support the review of the Rochester flood plans.
“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,” Ms Shing said.
“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.”
News of the technical assessment at Lake Eppalock, which recorded peak flows over the spillway at 103,000ML per day on October 14, 2022, was welcomed by Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos.
Lake Eppalock’s emergency spillway has spilled twice (2011 and 2022) since its opening in 1963, resulting in widespread inundation and extensive damage across the municipality.
Cr Amos said council had recently made a representation to the Victorian Government to fund urgent research into solutions to mitigate the frequency and severity of flooding caused by overflows from Lake Eppalock during extreme weather events.
“The spilling of Lake Eppalock in 2011 and 2022 caused catastrophic damage to the Campaspe Valley, particularly Rochester,” Cr Amos said.
“So we are delighted with the Water Minister’s announcement to look into a range of options and associated costings to support the more effective function of Lake Eppalock prior to and during flood events.”
Cr Amos said funding of any solution that prevented a similar scenario to the October 2022 flood would be a strategic investment by the government.
“Not only will it reduce longer-term financial costs to both the government and community in repairing damaged infrastructure from any future flood events, but it will also avoid the devastating toll on our communities from the social, economic and environmental upheaval.”
The technical assessment will engage an expert to examine 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.
Ms Shing said the rights of existing entitlement holders would be considered in the assessment, including any upstream impacts to land holders.
The assessment is expected to take six months to complete, and the findings made public.
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