Media Release

18 October 2010
Flood damage assessment in full swing: with a focus on public assets
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is continuing to build a clearer
picture of the flood damage across the region.

Staff from the Authority have met with many of the region’s landholders to assess the damage, and
have held discussions with Local Government and the Department of Sustainability and Environment
(DSE) staff to consolidate the assessment of damage to public assets, as well as erosion or other
issues which threaten public assets (bridges, fencing and CMA works)

Aerial photography has been commissioned along the worst affected streams, with this data
assisting systematic inspections of the waterways.

As expected, there are a lot of fallen trees, debris blockages, erosion and damage to public assets as
a result of the recent rainfall events, high flows and strong winds.

While some damage to roads and bridges was expected, the damage is quite severe in some areas.

The Goulburn Broken Catchment CMA will now be conducting site assessments of streams that have
been subject to these recent significant flood events. This will involve Goulburn Broken CMA staff
and experienced consultants accessing sections for the following streams: Hollands, Ryans, Hughes,
Castle and Seven Creeks and the Broken, Goulburn (above Lake Eildon), Howqua, Delatite, Jamieson,
Acheron, Taggerty and Steavenson Rivers, plus some tributary streams.

These assessments will require access to streams via private land at times, so landholders are asked
for the understanding and cooperation during this assessment. All assessments will be carried out
from the stream bank. Assessment teams will make every attempt to minimise the time spent on
individual properties and respect the rights of property owners.

These assessments will be used to seek funding and subsequently undertake works to protect public
assets and protect the health of our rivers and streams.

The Goulburn Broken CMA is currently in discussion with Government representatives in relation to
the funding available to repair the damage and to get clarity on the guidelines for approved works.

For further information please contact:

Amanda McClaren
Communications and Marketing Manager
t: 03 5820 1117 / 0459 023 640 e: amandam@gbcma.vic.gov.au
Emergency work has and will continue to be carried out by the CMA, local government, and by some
landowners under approval.

RELEASE ENDS

Photographs – available upon request

For further information please contact:

Amanda McClaren
Communications and Marketing Manager
t: 03 5820 1117 / 0459 023 640 e: amandam@gbcma.vic.gov.au