With higher than average rainfalls across the state, residents of Newstead are demanding Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) undertake works to ensure the levee bank is at its most effective, before it’s too late.
Newstead has a long history of riverine and flash flooding which often results in road closures and subsequent isolation of the township. There are a number of smaller creek systems that feed into the Loddon River upstream, which increases the risk of flooding.
As a result, the levee bank was built on the east side of the river during the 1920s, which aided the town during a number of flood events from 2010 onwards. However, a number of properties outside the levee were inundated during the floods in 2010 and 2011. The floods in 2011 are believed to be the highest floods on record with rainfalls of 147.6mm over a three-day period.
A resident of Newstead for the past 60 years, Ken Smith, told the Mail he has seen every flood since 1950. He believes the floodgates are roughly 100 years old and need immediate attention, due to rotting timber, and concrete slabs which are close to falling and blocking the gate.
“There has been total inaction from the council for the past 12 years,” Ken said.
“The south end of the levee needs work and regular maintenance of the river needs to be done such as removal of logs and piles of river gravel….all of this is urgent.
“The deterioration of the river over the years is disappointing and ultimately impacts on waterflow,” commented Ken.
“I’ve spent 12 years highlighting the need to maintain the levee bank and the floodgate to the council. There are now trees all through the old river bed, which affects the flow of the river when it floods.”
Ken believes the last time council did any works was in 1990 when the new bridge was built and the levee bank was raised by 18 inches, and he recalls studies being undertaken 10 years ago, which ultimately produced no outcome.
“Since then, new houses have been built next to the pub in an area that will flood,” Ken said.
Newstead CFA Captain Doug Richardson told the Mail that the issue is complicated, particularly as the south end of the levee that requires a significant amount of work, is situated on private land.
“Maintenance issues and who’s responsibility they are can also be pretty complicated,” Doug said.
“During the recent floods the CFA had to pump water at the north end of town for an entire day, through the night (including help from other appliances) to stop water backfilling at the floodgate.
“The gate is dilapidated and people don’t always know when to open it. It needs to be upgraded to an automated system with a one way valve,” he said.
After being called out to support SES with water ingress at a house during the recent floods, Doug expressed his frustration at the council providing permits to properties that have been built below gutter height.
“That’s a big problem across the state and a big conversation that needs to be had,” Doug said.
“We want to see something happen soon because eventually it will flood.”
MASC Director of Infrastructure and Development Michael Annear told the Mail the state government commissioned a study of the Newstead levee bank in 2014-15 to identify future key works but the study found there were no urgent works required.
“The study reviewed past events, the health of the levee and the structure, including producing modelling for future works,” Mr Annear said.
“In 2016-17-18 the council did a further risk assessment of the suitability of the levee, looking at predicted rainfall and the structural integrity of levee. The study involved going into the levee core (which is the critical section) to see what materials were used and we are considering the possibility of building again in the future.”
According to Mr Annear there are three sections of the levee which were examined during the study. The northern section was found to be in sound condition, with the floodgate operating well and to be monitored for work in future years. The middle section was considered to be in fair condition and the southern end was found to be poorer and lower than the others.
“While it’s not in fantastic condition its not critical,” Mr Annear said. “All levees have varying degree of wear and tear.”
“The council does regular maintenance works, removing saplings, grass and vegetation and repairing animal burrows.
“Further studies are needed. These studies are not just done once and completed, they add to one another,” Mr Annear said.
“Studies looked at the preliminary design cost and hydrological modelling which weighs up the positives and negatives. They look at rainfall flow and if the height is increased where will the water flow as well as looking at floor level height and drainage designs.
“The North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) put out a 10 year strategy which identified works for the Newstead levee, but they require a more detailed analysis, and funding to do this.
“The council is currently seeking additional resources and is preparing for negotiations with the private landowners to move the levee a further five metres from homes,” Mr Annear said.
According to the director there is no set timeframe for the works on the Newstead levee, but he is hopeful studies will begin next year, taking around 12 months to complete. The council and NCCMA will continue pursuing state and federal funding and with a possible co-contribution from the council. The council is planning to engage with the Newstead community later in the year to discuss the next steps.