Bendigo Urban Flood Modelling Project

Water Technology was commissioned by North Central CMA and City of Greater Bendigo to complete the Bendigo Urban Flood Modelling Project. The area flood-modelled was in excess of 23,300 Ha making it one of the largest and most comprehensive flood studies ever completed within Australia. Innovative modelling, data management and result display methodologies were required to be developed. Engaging with a large range of stakeholders, the study produced practical outputs that were tailored to Council and CMA needs. A critical aspect of the delivery was training council and CMA staff in the use of models and interpretation of outputs.

This was a landmark study for flood mapping of large urban areas. Utilising both traditional (hydrograph input) methods and more recent methods such as direct rainfall on grid, the study was the first of its kind on this scale, setting the benchmark for future work of this nature. Council and CMA now have detailed flood risk data across the entire catchment to inform decision making processes. This includes the most appropriate future capital expenditure and importantly, provides the opportunity for a safer and more liveable city through reduced flood risk and better integration of water with the urban landscape.