Up to date Wangaratta flood study preliminary results and modelling are now available to the community via an online portal.

Community members planning on attending the upcoming flood study information session are encouraged to view the data prior to attending. To access the portal, please visit the Wangaratta Flood Study Portal.

The community information session regarding the flood study will be held at Wangaratta Performing Arty Centre on Wednesday 11 May at 10am-1pm. Please RSVP by 9 May to Rebecca Damm on 02 643 7694, for catering purposes.

Rural City of Wangaratta, North East Catchment Management Authority (North East CMA) and Water Technology have been gathering historical flooding data for the Wangaratta project area that covers Hume Freeway at Wangaratta and north to Waldara. This study 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 the new data collected will replace out-dated data last collected from 1996-98. "With 10 floods in the last three years it's important to update the available data and local knowledge in this area is extremely valuable" said Ms Damm,

"I encourage community members to get involved by viewing the portal, attending the community information session and submitting photographs from previous floods in the area," said Ms Damm "by viewing historical photos we can ensure our mapping and understanding of flooding around Wangaratta is as accurate as possible".

Digital images can be emailed to wangfloodstudy@necma.vic.gov.au along with the name of the photographer and statement providing permission for the image to be freely reproduced.

Printed photos can be left at The Chronicle in Wangaratta where forms, envelopes and a secure submission box has been set up. Your images will be scanned by North East CMA and then returned to you.

Community members are also encouraged to contribute their ideas and information for use in the flood study. Anyone wishing to contribute information can call 1800 428 919 (free call) or email wangfloodstudy@necma.vic.gov.au

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

Photo credit: The late Jack Swain, taken approximately 1956