Council engagement on flood study draws to a close

Direct engagement on the Mansfield flood study is now coming to an end with all residents with properties potentially impacted by flooding having now received information.  

The findings of the study, undertaken by Mansfield Shire Council in collaboration with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, will help Council and the community better understand how flooding affects Mansfield township.  

Council has directly contacted residents whose properties fall within existing flood-prone areas as well as newly identified areas, holding drop-in information sessions and one-on-one conversations to discuss the findings of the study.  

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council wanted to make sure residents heard the findings from Council directly, in a way that gave them room to ask questions and understand what it meant for them.  

“We know flooding has been a concern in Mansfield township for some time. This study gives us the tools we need to prepare for a reality of life here in the best little shire,” he said.  

“The team at Council has worked diligently to have these conversations sensitively with the people affected by potential flooding.”  

“This study doesn’t change the existing risk of flooding in Mansfield. It gives us the accurate information we need to plan properly. It will help us respond faster in an emergency and help people make informed decisions about their properties. A better understanding of flood behaviour means a safer, more resilient community.”  

“If you haven't heard from Council directly by now, it means your property is likely not identified as being in a flood-prone area.”  

Local knowledge has played a key role in shaping the study as community members have taken the opportunity to nominate historically flood-prone areas as well as sharing feedback based on their experience living in the area. This input, combined with specialist mapping, helps build a clear picture of how flooding affects the Mansfield community.  

The updated mapping will help guide responsible decisions on future development in the township, replacing outdated studies from 2005 and 2006.  

The flood study findings are available on Council’s engagement page and anyone who wants to understand it what it means for the community are encouraged to take a look.  

Residents and community members who would like to learn more about the Mansfield Flood Study can visit www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/community-engagement/mansfield-flood-study for more information including maps, background on the methodology and answers to frequently asked questions.