$100,000 to reduce flood risk for Foster

• Infrastructure damaged by the July 2016 flood in Foster.

THE Foster community should be better prepared for flooding thanks to a $100,000 funding boost from the State Government to help complete a detailed flood study.

Heavy rain in July last year led to the flooding of several properties in the Foster township.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said that after listening to local concerns about the lack of information available leading up to the 2016 flood, the government will provide $100,000 to support South Gippsland Shire Council prepare a flood study.

“The Foster community told us they need better information and resources when floods occur, and we’ve listened,” declared Ms Shing.

“The knowledge and lived experience of the local community will play a critical role in shaping this study.”

The study will use local knowledge and data collected by the Foster community during last year’s flood to update flood maps and other flood emergency planning and education material. The community’s recommendations for upgrading flood warning services and for constructing flood mitigation works will also be assessed.

Council will manage the flood study, with West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority providing technical advice and input.

The Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy acknowledges that flood damages and trauma can be reduced by using credible data about flood behaviour, such as flood heights, flood extents and flood probabilities.

Detailed risk evaluations, in the form of flood studies, fill gaps in knowledge and help communities consider flood management options.

The government’s contribution is from the 2016-17 Victorian Bu

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