Levee banks project

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We've seen many homes in the shire flooded by recent major rain events. In particular, Campbells Creek, Chewton and Castlemaine are all vulnerable, as we saw in 2022.

Following flooding in 2010, 2011 and 2012 a Flood Management Plan for the area was developed. The plan aims to reduce the impact of flooding.

Recommendations include:
  • Carry out infrastructure activities – build six levee banks and undertake waterway improvements
  • Develop a strategic plan for urban waterways
  • Review flood warning systems
  • Amend the planning scheme to adopt flood model mapping.
Following community consultation, we adopted the plan in 2015. Council has been in the development stage of this project as of 2022.

 

Project update

March 2026

We are in the development phase of this project. This involves finalising designs and securing permits and approvals so we can build.

Please note this phase DOES NOT include construction of the levees.

Construction will only begin once:
  • We have all permits and approvals
  • Detailed design has been completed
  • Funding has been sourced
  • Councillors approve the budget.
During the development phase we will:
  • Finalise design drawings so they are ready to send for tender
  • Provide project update information to the community
  • Formalise a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Land User Activity Agreement
  • Resolve land encroachment issues, establish easements and acquire land as required
  • Obtain planning permit approvals for levee construction
  • Update cost assumptions
  • Prepare required documentation for Council to consider entering the Delivery phase (construction).
    

Project details

This project focusses on infrastructure-related recommendations: levee banks and waterway improvements. These will protect nearby homes, businesses, roads and footpaths.

The project includes:
  • 100 m earthen and concrete levee at Central Cabins and Van Park in Castlemaine
  • 430 m earthen and concrete levee at Elizabeth Street in Castlemaine
  • 580 m earthen and concrete levee at Campbells Creek township
  • 50 m earthen levee at National School Lane in Campbells Creek
  • Waterway improvements downstream of Alexandra Bridge in Campbells Creek
Expert engineering practice GHD identified the best locations for the levees and waterway activities. Council then consulted the community on preliminary designs for the levee improvement activities.
 

There was no community support for the two recommended levees along Gingell Street, Castlemaine. There is currently no timeline for those levees.

Information session

  • When: Monday 23 March, 5.30pm to 7.00pm
  • Where: Club room, Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve, 37 Campbells Creek-Fryers Rd. Campbells Creek
  • Read the media release.

More information

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