Myrtleford is located adjacent the Ovens River near the confluence of the Buffalo River, Buffalo Creek, Barwidgee Creek
Under flood conditions, Happy Valley Creek and the adjacent floodplain carries a significant portion of the total Ovens River flow in immediate proximity to the urban centre of Myrtleford.
In 2021, the Myrtleford Breakaway Study was undertaken and reviewed the threat of the Ovens River breaking away from its current course south of the township of Myrtleford to scour a new channel along Happy Valley Creek through Myrtleford. The potential for this avulsion of the Ovens River into Happy Valley Creek has been known since at least 1917, but previous studies in 1994 and 2003 focussed more on the geomorphic processes driving the avulsion and did not consider the full range impacts that it would have on the community.
The Myrtleford Flood Study was completed and adopted by Council in mid-2025 where Council also resolved to prepare a planning scheme amendment to implement its findings and recommendations in the Alpine Planning Scheme. The study provides detailed flood mapping and analysis for the townships of Myrtleford and Ovens, as well as the surrounding rural areas across the middle Ovens and Buffalo River floodplains. Using high-resolution LiDAR topographic data, the study determined flood levels and extents for a range of flood events and developed emergency flood intelligence linked to the Eurobin gauge. The outputs include flood mapping compatible with modern emergency and planning platforms, recommended updates to the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan and Local Flood Guide, and technical data to support planning scheme controls and referrals across the middle Ovens River and Buffalo River catchments.
The completion and adoption of the Myrtleford Flood Study marks a major step forward in building a safer, more resilient future for the region. This comprehensive study provides the most accurate and up-to-date understanding of flood behaviour across Myrtleford, Ovens, and the surrounding floodplains - information that will now directly inform planning decisions, emergency management, and community preparedness.
By identifying flood-prone areas with greater precision, the study enables smarter land use planning, helping to protect lives, property, and vital infrastructure. It strengthens emergency response through improved flood intelligence and supports the development of clearer, more targeted community flood warnings and education tools.
The study will also allow stronger collaboration between Council, emergency services, and the community. It will give stakeholders the tools they need to plan ahead, adapt to changing conditions, and minimise flood risk across the region both today and into the future.
Project Next Steps (9 to 14 months):
