The Epsom Huntly Waterways Study builds upon earlier flood mapping. The study includes segments of the three main creeks in the area:

• Bendigo Creek
• Racecourse Creek
• Back Creek

The waterway study will help us better understand and learn more about these creeks, what makes them special and how flooding affects these areas. The local landform, network of creeks and changes associated with historical mining all contribute to flooding over a large portion of the study area. Engineering assessments are already under way and will be included in the study.

The study looks at ways to manage flooding and support people who live near the creeks and in areas that might flood.

It focuses on what makes these creeks unique, including:

• History – culture and enduring practices
• Environment – healthy water and habitat for plants and animals
• Social – community
• Economic – waterway use and development
• Natural processes – natural events and climate change

The study will be summarised in a report called ‘Waterways Flood Mitigation Management Plan’.

The final phase of the study maps out responsibilities and pathways for implementation of the preferred options. It will assist in more detailed design and future works.

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There's more than one way you can have your say. You can:

Add information to the map

Attend a community emergency planning workshop

Community drainage and flooding webinar

Add markers to the map below. Use these themes to help you think about what you might add:

• Getting around - Places where flooding or water prevent you from getting to where you need to go for more than one day. Examples: driveways, depressions, creek crossings
• Damage and change - Places near the creek that need our help or have been affected by flooding. Examples: erosion, trees removed, flood debris, sediment
• History - An enduring tradition or thing that has existed for many years, located near a creek. Examples: ruins, old buildings, scar trees
• Special places - Places near a creek that are important to you for play and relaxation. Examples: fishing spots, picnic areas, boat launches, recreational areas
• Plants and animals - Places near a creek where animals stay or noteworthy vegetation has grown or built up. Examples: logs, significant trees, frogs, birds
• Built objects - Things people have built to manage and use water or to get around. Examples: bridges, drains, dams, levees, pumps, flood ways
• Other - Any other important things you think others should know about in this area

This session will provide clear answers to queries and issues raised by the community since the 2022 and 2024 floods.

When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Monday May 11, 2026

Three community emergency planning workshops are being held over the next few months. The workshops are a chance for people to talk about how emergencies, like floods, fires, and heatwaves, affect their lives. They are also a space to share ideas and help shape the future.

At the workshops, you can:

• Share your story and what changes you think are needed
• Help the City understand what emergencies your area faces
• Talk about what matters most to you, like nature, history, people, and the economy, and how these things connect
• Share ideas to solve problems, what you hope for, and what might get in the way
• Learn how we can support strong, connected communities and what might stop that from happening
• Hear new ideas and let us know if you’d like to be part of making them happen

Workshop 1 - Planning for emergency

This workshop explored local hazards, risks and community resilience. It was held on Thursday November 6, 2025. Read the summary report below. The report is a summary of what we heard from the community during the workshops. It outlines community opinions and suggestions for the City to consider.

Workshop 2 - Flood deep dive

This workshop will take a closer look at flooding - what we’ve learnt, what happens, what it means for us, and what can be done. The workshop was held in February 26, 2026. Read the summary report below. The report is a summary of what we heard from the community during the workshops. It outlines community opinions and suggestions for the City to consider.

Flooding Community Consultation

The City of Greater Bendigo is currently updating the Bendigo Urban Flood Study.

We spoke to residents of Epsom and Huntly on February 26, 2026 about what they experienced during the October 2022 and January 2024 flood events. The information community members shared will help us update our flood modelling and better understand what happens on the ground.

Workshop 3 - Finding a way forward

This workshop will bring everything together to shape a community action plan that builds connection, safety, and preparedness for the future.

When: April 2026.

Further details coming soon.