Flood studies look at how water moves through the land. This is used to create flood maps.

Waterway studies use flood maps to check where riverine flooding might happen. They also look at how the land is used and cared for. These studies help protect important things like people, nature, and special places.

Flood maps are essential for understanding flood risks. Flood maps help us plan drainage upgrades and other flood solutions. They also help with future planning to make sure flooding is considered.

Waterway studies add more detail to flood maps. They provide advice to people who live near rivers and creeks that might flood. These plans try to balance what the community needs with things like growth, nature, and history.

Greater Bendigo is affected by two main types of flooding:

• Stormwater or flash flooding: This happens when heavy rain falls quickly, often during thunderstorms. Drains can’t keep up, and water can flow across yards and paddocks, especially in country areas.
• Riverine flooding: This is flooding over land that is usually dry. This happens when rivers, lakes, creeks or dams overflow during long periods of bad weather or big storms.

Looking After Drains and Stormwater

The City looks after a big system of underground drains. These drains help stop stormwater from flooding homes, footpaths, and roads. We check and fix these drains and build new ones to help reduce flooding.

Click here to report a blocked drain on the City's website

Reviewing planning applications

The City checks building and planning applications to make sure they follow flood rules and regulations described in the Planning Scheme. Flood maps help guide these decisions.

Helping the Community Get Ready for Floods

The City shares helpful tips on how to get your home or business ready for floods. This includes how to get emergency warnings and what plans to make for your family and pets.

Click here to go to the fire, floods and emergencies page on the City's website

The studies will be finished in 2027. They will include reports, maps, and ideas to help people who live in flood-prone areas. These plans will also respect the things that make these places special to live in.

The community is invited to share their ideas and local knowledge. You can help by:

• Filling out surveys
• Coming to workshops
• Joining drop-in sessions

Your input will help shape the plans.

For some properties, yes.

If your property is near a creek or waterway and has flooded before, the new studies might lead to changes in planning rules. These changes are to help keep people safe from future floods.

No.

These studies will help the community be better prepared and reduce the damage from floods. But flooding is a natural event, and sometimes it’s too big for drains or other systems to stop.

Flood maps are made using special computer programs. These programs look at things like:

• Drains
• The shape and slope of the land
• Weather and climate
• Buildings and roads

People in the community also help by sharing their flood experiences. This helps make the maps more accurate and find ways to reduce flood risk.

SES Victoria have flood guides for neighbourhoods that have the highest flood risk. This doesn’t mean other areas don’t flood, but they are less likely to be as extreme.

Click here to find your local Flood Guide