Seeking applicants for floodplains committee

Expressions of interest are being called to help construct a flood study of the Murray River.Volunteers will represent the Barooga and Tocumwal areas to form part of the Berrigan Shire Council Floodplain Risk Management Committee.Its main purpose is to deliver a floodplain risk management study and plan of the Murray River with a focus on the section of river downstream of the Yarrawonga Weir to the western boundary of the Berrigan Shire Council Local Government Area.Council received funding for the project from the government’s Floodplain Management Program and as part of the grant conditions, a flood committee must be formed.Director technical services Matthew Clarke said previous reports have become out-dated and a new study must be done.He said the study should highlight vulnerabilities along the river at Barooga and Tocumwal.‘‘There have been previous flood studies, however they became outdated with time due to changes in the river, new tree growth, loss of trees and slight changes in course for example,’’ Mr Clarke said.‘‘The aim of the study is to model how the river will behave in a flood.‘‘Council maintains a levee system to protect the townships of Barooga and Tocumwal during times of flood.‘‘It is essential that we understand the behaviour of the river to ensure that the levee is not over-topped. The information also dictates finished floor levels of buildings in flood prone areas.’’It is estimated the study will take about 18 months to deliver with a meeting about once every three months. Once complete the committee will be dissolved.Mr Clarke is hoping locals can see this as an opportunity to help keep the community safe.‘‘People with good local knowledge of the river would be great assets,’’ he said.‘‘There will be two councillors on this committee and a number flood experts and stakeholders.’’There is no remuneration associated with the positions of the committee.Applications close this Friday, September 11.For further enquiries phone Matthew Clarke on (03)5888 5100 or email mail@berriganshire.nsw.gov.au.