Two years after adopting Yarra Ranges Council's Stormwater Management Plan, Yarra Ranges Council is making significant progress towards reducing flood risk, improving waterway health and strengthening the community's ability to respond to a changing climate.
A review of the Plan's first two years of implementation shows actions are either complete, underway, built into ongoing Council operations, or scheduled as part of Council's delivery program.
The Stormwater Management Plan provides a long-term approach to managing stormwater, reducing flood risk, improving water quality and strengthening the community's resilience to the impacts of climate change. Over the past two years, Council has focused on building the knowledge, partnerships and systems needed to support future decisions and investments.
Key achievements to date include:
- Progressing the development of an Integrated Water Management Plan.
- Advancing the municipal flood mapping program.
- Preparing new Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Guidelines.
- Strengthening collaboration with Melbourne Water, government agencies, industry representatives, Traditional Owners and the community.
- Embedding stormwater management considerations into Council planning, asset management and operational practices.
One of the most significant projects underway is Council's updated flood mapping program. The new flood mapping will provide stronger evidence to support future planning decisions, emergency management activities, infrastructure investment and community education about flood risk.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the review highlighted the important progress made since the Plan was adopted.
"This review shows that we're making good progress on delivering the Stormwater Management Plan," Cr Higgins said.
"Over the past two years we've progressed important work to better understand flood risk, improve the health of our waterways and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate."
"While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it helps us make better decisions about where to invest and how to support our communities across Yarra Ranges. Updated flood mapping and improved planning tools will help us target future works where they can deliver the greatest benefit for the community."
Community input continues to play an important role in the implementation of the Plan, helping ensure local knowledge and community values are reflected in Council's approach to stormwater management and flood resilience planning.
