Independent Review findings shared

Published on 06 August 2024

At a Community Meeting in Carisbrook this evening, the findings and recommendations of the Carisbrook Levee Independent Review were shared with residents.

Over the past two months, independent engineer Fred Spain, has been reviewing the Carisbrook Levee and Tullaroop Creek.

The report has found that overall, there is confidence in the catchment modelling to which the Levee has been built. However, the independent engineer has made suggestions including conducting an internal flood study, along with a detailed maintenance program to be developed and delivered on to ensure the levee functions as designed.

Central Goldfields Shire CEO Lucy Roffey said it was pleasing to see the review of the Levee completed with great support and input from the Community Levee Review Reference Group.

“Through the comprehensive Review process, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside key members of the community in supporting Fred with his review.

“We extend our thanks to members of the Carisbrook Levee Review Reference Group - Keith McLeish, Trish Coutts, Peter Higgins, Ian Boucher, Wayne McKail, Judi McKail, Paula Forbes, Greg Corcoran, Bryan Perry and Leonie Van Rooyen – who have shared relevant data with Fred and accompanied him on site visits.

“The whole process has been a positive step towards working together to provide peace of mind that the levee will hold in a one in one-hundred-year flood.

“The review has given us all a deeper understanding of the Levee and what it is capable of and recommended improvements so that the community can have the confidence in what has been built.

“We look forward to working in strong partnership with the community on an implementation plan to address the recommendations which may be subject to available funding.”

Carisbrook Levee Independent Review Reference Group member Wayne McKail said “in June 2023, Council declared the Carisbrook Levee was finished, adding there were a few areas needing further attention.

“A group of locals acted and decided to help Council by providing assistance.

“After several community meetings, in December 2023, Council supported the community’s call for an independent levee review.

“By February 2024 the community advisory group was decided. By April the Carisbrook Levee Reference Group had been formed and a facilitator (Max Hardy) was engaged.

“By June 2024, the Levee expert (Fred Spain) had been engaged and here we are now with Fred’s findings and finally we have all the information which was so badly needed.

“The collaboration and process was almost clinical. Every target was achieved and every date met. This was largely attributed to Max, Fred and the desire for all parties to achieve the goal. Working together.

“Now we have the information and advice which has been so longed for, and we all now have the direction in sight.

“Thank you to all involved, from here on we all look forward to seeing the recommendations being adopted, and the Carisbrook community obtaining the belief and confidence that once this work has been completed the danger will be reduced, and hopefully belief and trust will return.

“This is and has never been about Fred, Max, Council or those who supported this endeavour. It has always been about Carisbrook and the community’s wellbeing.

“Thank you to all involved and all who participated”.

The findings report is now available for the community to read and provide feedback.

The report is available at www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/carisbrooklevee with feedback invited until 3pm, Monday 26 August.