Surf Coast Shire Council will share new insights about the Painkalac Creek's future flood risk at an upcoming event, with the Aireys Inlet community encouraged to attend.
A Painkalac Creek study has provided a greater understanding of flood risk in Aireys Inlet and will help Council and other agencies to manage flooding and support the coastal community.
Council will host a community open house:
Aireys Inlet Hall
Friday 17 October
3pm to 7pm
Interested people can drop in at any time to chat to Council staff and representatives from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth encouraged locals to attend the session to learn more about the Painkalac Creek Flood Mitigation and Adaptation Study.
The study has found that the changing climate – with more unpredictable storms and rainfall – will increase flooding risk to residential properties, businesses and critical infrastructure near the Painkalac Creek.
Council has historically understood that around 50 private properties near the creek are at risk of inundation from flooding without intervention. Long-term hazard modelling shows that a larger area could be subject to future flooding, potentially impacting an additional 54 properties by the year 2100.
"We acknowledge that the flood modelling will have a variety of impacts for the Aireys community, particularly for properties in the redefined risk area," Mayor Bodsworth said.
"We're committed to sharing information with residents, both current and future, about flood risk and involving them along the way, before any decisions are made in the years ahead."
Council has contacted newly impacted property owners, to inform them of the new modelling and will offer one-on-one conversations to answer questions.
"The community open house is another opportunity for people to seek further information, ask questions, and to chat with other locals about the study findings," Mayor Bodsworth said.
"If you can't make it to the 17 October event, our Emergency Management team is happy to chat over the phone."
Thank you to people who provided input earlier this year, sharing what they value most about Painkalac Creek and their flood risk concerns. The feedback will be used to develop options to mitigate flood risk. Options are likely to be released for community information in 2026.
Mayor Bodsworth said Council plays a vital role in helping to keep the community safe and minimising impacts of emergencies on residents, while working closely with emergency services.
"Our Climate Emergency Response Plan recognises we are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, and this is expected to become more noticeable over time," he said.
"The Painkalac Creek study and other projects – including the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Stormwater Flood Study – are helping us understand future climate impacts and assess options to help manage them."
Stay up-to-date with the Painkalac Creek Flood Mitigation and Adaptation Study
