Flood study finalised
After more than two years of work with key stakeholders, the project steering group and the Newstead community, the Newstead Flood Study is now complete.
The study recommends mitigation option 6 - a raised, extended and realigned levee as the preferred way to reduce flood impacts in the township.
Option 6 would:
- Reduce above‑floor flooding for 88 properties
- Provide stronger protection for homes and businesses
- Improve overall township resilience
The study also recommends refining the levee design to reduce the amount of fill needed in the south and to minimise increased flood levels on the western side of town.
Next steps
- The study and recommended option will be presented to Council for consideration in the coming months.
- If Council endorses Option 6, Council will begin detailed design and explore construction funding options.
You can find all detailed reports below. These explain how flooding behaves in Newstead, where the highest risks are, and what actions can be taken now and in the future to reduce flood impacts. This information also provides a strong foundation for improved emergency planning, clearer development guidance and long‑term flood resilience for Newstead and surrounding areas.
Key study documents
A clear, accessible overview of the study findings, modelling results, key issues and recommended next steps. Read it here.
Clear, practical information on how different flood levels behave in Newstead, including local triggers, indicators, flood pathways, and expected impacts - supporting residents and emergency services with early decision‑making. Read it here.
Identifies opportunities to improve Newstead’s flood warning systems, including more timely, locally relevant alerts and clearer communication. Read it here.
- A model (called RORB*) was used to study how much rainfall becomes runoff and flows during floods in the Newstead area.
- The model was tested using real data from past floods, including the big floods in January 2011 and October 2022.
- The model used information from several river gauges, including the Loddon River at Newstead.
- The study also looked at how climate change might increase rainfall and affect flooding in the near future (2030) and long-term (2100).
- The results show that the model is reliable and can be used to help plan for future floods in Newstead.
* RORB is a computer program used for calculating flood hydrographs from rainfall and other inputs, and is widely used in hydrology, particularly in Australia.
- A flood model (called TUFLOW) was created to show how water moves through Newstead during floods.
- It was tested using past floods, including the October 2022 and September 2016 events, and matched real data, including recorded flood heights and photos.
- The model was used to simulate a wide range of flood scenarios, from more common floods to very rare ones.
- It also looked at how climate change might affect flooding by the year 2100.
- The model will also be used to explore flood mitigation options, inform planning decisions and improve emergency planning.
Learn more about the first stage of community consultation and what we heard.
Learn more about the second stage of community consultation and what we heard.
