Work on the Goornong Study began in September 2025, building flood maps and testing possible solutions for reducing the impact of future flooding.

Community members met with the Study’s consultants (Cumulus Engineering) on October 9, 2025. The field trip and drop-in sessions were booked out, and flood experts were kept busy all night listening to stories and ideas. In addition, the Let's Talk Greater Bendigo page for Goornong has collected nearly 50 data points on the interactive map.

Community also attended a workshop to talk about how the community can be better prepared for emergencies in Goornong on November 5, 2025. A report is pending and will be published on Let's Talk Greater Bendigo.

Community concerns include:

The study includes a series of independently facilitated workshops on emergency preparedness and flood action planning, supporting community and government to discuss their concerns. The workshops are being facilitated by Maree Grenfell and Martina Holland, both experienced in helping communities be better connected and prepared for whatever comes their way.

The next workshop in Goornong is the Flood 'Deep Dive', planned for February 19, 2026. This is an opportunity for community to speak with water and infrastructure managers from across government and understand what is required to ‘turn flood mitigations into a reality’.

While attending the workshop, take the opportunity to look at the flood mitigation project for the community who use Bagshot Hall. This demonstration site includes upgrades to the existing levy, delivery of fencing workshops and other engagement activities.

Around the same time, the accuracy of draft flood maps will be assessed using the information provided by community. A draft report is expected in April 2026. This will also include a chance for community to attend a second drop-in session. Use the above link to stay up to date.