Before January 2011, there had only ever been flows through the primary spillway at Lake Eppalock.
On October 2022 flows over all three spillways peaked at 103,000 Ml/day — marking the largest flow ever recorded over the spillway.
The assessment will engage an expert to look at a range of options — including whether the installation of gates or other infrastructure (such as a bigger release valve) could support the operation of Lake Eppalock prior to and during flood events as well as the costs associated with any changes.
This technical assessment will be undertaken with North Central Catchment Management Authority and Campaspe Shire Council, and once completed will support the review of the Rochester flood plans.
Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing said the assessments would “provide valuable opportunities to protect local communities from future flooding while taking account of the rights of existing entitlement holders, and managing potential risks and costs”.
The assessment is expected to take six months to complete, and the findings will be made public.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos welcomed the announcement.
“The spilling of Lake Eppalock in 2011 and 2022 caused catastrophic damage to the Campaspe Valley, particularly Rochester,” Cr Amos said.
“So, we are delighted with the Minister for Water’s announcement ... we believe that the funding of any solution that prevents a similar scenario to the October 2022 flood would be a strategic investment by the Victorian Government.
“Not only will it reduce longer-term financial costs to both the government and community in repairing damaged infrastructure from any future flood events, but it will also avoid the devastating toll on our communities from the social, economic and environmental upheaval.”
An assessment of the operating arrangements of Lake Eildon will also be undertaken and provided to local councils and Goulburn Broken CMA, who are managing the current Goulburn and Broken Rivers Flood Study.
