![Horsham investigates new flood plan Horsham investigates new flood plan](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/1054658.jpg/r0_0_600_400_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
HORSHAM Rural City council will investigate a new flood plan.
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Technical services manager David Eltringham said the council should do detailed drainage studies to update stormwater management plans after storms on December 8, 9 and 10 contributed to flooding across the region.
"Council's attention is drawn to the need for us to undertake detailed drainage studies to update stormwater management plans for areas within the urban area and also in catchments not previously part of the Emergency Flood Planning Study areas," Mr Eltringham said.
Mr Eltringham said the review would involve discussions with Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and the State Emergency Service.
"A full review of Horsham Flood Plan should relate to the Gross's Bridge gauging station," he said.
"There is no flood plan for Natimuk and Natimuk Creek. A flood assessment would be valuable."
During the last flood, Burnt Creek and Bungalally Creek were major contributors to high water levels.
"The current flood plan for the Wimmera River does not include any influence of Burnt Creek and Mackenzie Creek flood streams and again this would be of benefit in the future flood response plans for the Horsham area."
SES Mid West and Grampians regional officer Tony Grim praised the plan upgrade.
"Things have changed in the area because of the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline, so a reviewed plan would be good," Mr Grim said.
"During the flood in September we were battling for information to start with and getting misinformation. Having those flood plans is an important part of the preparation."
Mr Grim said he would like to see the Gross's Bridge gauge used in a new flood plan.
"The gauge upstream of Horsham, Gross's Bridge, would provide better information as to what Horsham would expect in a flood," he said. "Anything to get better and more up to date information is great.
''We are also in favour of developing a flood plan for Natimuk. If we get a flood again it would mean we would be more prepared.
"Even at Harrow, the last event was in 1996 and the one the other week exceeded that level, so the more information we can gather, the better."
A Wimmera Catchment Management Authority spokesman said the authority was happy to work with council.