The Upper Ovens Flood Study 2025 is a comprehensive investigation into the flood risks in the Upper Ovens catchment area, including Bright, Freeburgh, and Harrietville.
The study has now been completed and was adopted by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
What is the Upper Ovens Flood Study?
The Upper Ovens Flood Study is an investigation into flood behaviour across the Upper Ovens catchment, including Bright, Freeburgh, and Harrietville. Originally undertaken by Water Technology Pty Ltd in 2019, the study was further updated in 2025 to incorporate the latest climate change modelling and the updated Australian Rainfall and Runoff data.
The study assessed current and future flood risks by analysing rainfall, catchment conditions, and flood behaviour, resulting in detailed and accurate flood mapping.
The study provides a clear and evidence-based understanding of how floods impact the region under both current and future conditions. It includes detailed hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, up-to-date flood mapping, and identification of flood-prone areas, providing critical information for planners, emergency services, and the community.
Why is the study important?
The Upper Ovens region is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its steep topography, rapid rainfall runoff, and the dynamic nature of the Ovens River catchment. The adopted study delivers benefits to both the community and the wider region, including:
Improved safety and preparedness
Emergency services and Council can now use accurate flood intelligence to plan and respond more effectively to flood events, helping to protect lives and reduce property damage.
Smarter (and safer) land use planning
The study will inform a future planning scheme amendment seeking to introduce planning controls in the Alpine Planning Scheme to inform development decisions, and to ensure that any new buildings and infrastructure are located and designed with flood risk in mind.
Community awareness and resilience
Residents will have access to clearer information about local flood risks, enabling better preparedness and informed decision-making at the household level.
Targeted mitigation measures
By identifying flood-prone areas, the study supports future investment in flood mitigation infrastructure such as drainage and flooding upgrades, or early warning systems.
Support for climate adaptation
With updated climate modelling, the study helps the region prepare for more intense and frequent weather events, building long-term resilience.
Environmental and economic protection
By reducing the risk and impact of flood events, the study helps protect key community assets, local businesses, and natural ecosystems.
Next steps
- Prepare planning scheme amendment documentation seeking to include local flood policy and flood controls in the Alpine Planning Scheme;
- Request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to exhibit the amendment;
- Exhibit the amendment and notify any affected landowners and other stakeholders;
- Review and consider submissions;
- Refer unresolves submissions to an independent planning pane established by the Minister for Planning (if required);
- Consider submissions, any panel recommendations to Council, and any post-exhibition changes to the amendment (if required);
- Council formally determines on the amendment;
- Submit a final amendment to the Minister for Planning for approval and gazettal; and
- Upon gazettal, the Alpine Planning Scheme will be updated and the proposed changes to the scheme will take effect.