Recent flooding in the Wangaratta area has allowed predictive flood modelling to be tested by North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Rural City of Wangaratta and Water Technology.

The new flood modelling provides flood intelligence data for a range of possible flood events. This is a significant increase in flood intelligence as previous modelling only covered 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) events which is the probability that a 1 in 100 year rainfall event will occur in any given year.

North East CMA, Rural City of Wangaratta and Water Technology have been gathering historical flood data for the Wangaratta Flood Study for the last 12 months. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

North East CMA Project Officer, Ms Rebecca Damm, said testing of the predictive modelling was a huge success "What the model predicted for the Moderate Flood Level, was spot on with the water level reached on ground" said Ms Damm

Ms Damm added "We were able to collect further data and increase flood intelligence by undertaking observations from a helicopter."

It is anticipated that the flood modelling will be finalised by October 2016. From this time the high quality, up to date flood intelligence data will be included in the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan and local flood guides.

Locals wishing to access the flood models can do so via the Wangaratta Flood Study Portal. To access, please visit www.tinyurl.com/wangfloodmappingportal

For more info: go to www.necma.vic.gov.au or contact North East CMA Project officer, Rebecca Damm on 1300 216 513.