Project update - July 2024

The results and next steps of our “Keeping Yarra Flood Resilient” consultation is being presented at the next Council Meeting on Tuesday 9 July.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with flooding and rising water levels as part of our “Keeping Yarra Flood Resilient” consultation in July and August 2023.

The information we received from the consultation corroborated the data that had been gathered by our flooding consultant and Melbourne Water leading to the finalisation of a series of flood maps earlier this year. These maps were guided by best practice design, benchmarked against other Councils and supported by our community’s experience from this consultation.

We will be presenting the findings from the consultation and next steps at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 9 July 2024.

Find out more about the Council Meeting and view the agenda using the link below. You can also join online through the webcast from 6.30pm. If you would like to make a comment on this item, you can also register for the Council Meeting using the link below.

Please note, only people who register for the meeting will be able to speak to the item on the night.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Read the agenda and register to speak

Learn more about the project

Climate change is having an impact on Victoria’s rainfall levels.

While the amount of rain falling over the whole year is likely to decrease, studies tell us with a high degree of confidence that the intensity of rare rainfall events are increasing.

Flooding and rising water levels are a natural occurrence across Victoria as a result of this, and all Councils have a role to play in building their community's resilience. This role is shared with water authorities, emergency services and other government bodies.

Inner-city areas like Yarra tend to be prone to flooding and rising water levels as water can’t be absorbed into the ground easily and the topography of the area limits the way stormwater can move overland. This impacts the way our city develops, future infrastructure needs and how public spaces are designed.

Over the last few years, Yarra City Council has undertaken the following work to build Yarra’s resilience against flooding. This includes:

  • maintaining the existing drainage network
  • undertaking periodic inspections
  • regularly cleaning pits and pipes
  • proactive planning of capital or renewal work
  • monitoring rainfall data and undertaking flood analysis
  • boosting community preparedness through education
  • identifying and upgrading critical drainage assets

As an additional preventative measure, we’re looking to implement planning controls that will ensure future developments are better designed to avoid the impacts of overflow in our stormwater network created during a severe storm.

These will be informed by a series of flood maps that are being finalised in partnership with Melbourne Water and guided by the best practice approach benchmarked against other Councils.

What is flooding?

Flooding and rising water levels are a natural occurrence across Victoria and all Councils have a role to play in building their community's resilience. This is in partnership with water authorities, emergency services and other government bodies.

Flooding can be influenced by a number of factors including;

  • severe rain events which are being amplified by climate change
  • land topography
  • capacity of the drainage system
  • the extent that water can be absorbed into the ground

In a Council context, flooding is defined as a natural yet persistent gathering of stormwater that disturbs the intended use of infrastructure and properties.

In Yarra when we discuss flooding it most often refers to overland flow flooding. Find out about overland flow flooding and the other types of flooding below.

Overland flow is run-off that travels over the land during heavy rainfall events.

Overland flow can be unpredictable because it is affected by localised rainfall and urban features such as stormwater pipes, roads, fences, walls and other structures. The actual depth and impact of overland flow varies depending on local conditions, but it generally occurs quickly and for short durations.

Creek flooding happens when intense rain falls over a creek catchment. Run-off from houses and streets also contributes to creek flooding. The combination of heavy rainfall, run-off and the existing water in the creek causes creek levels to rise.

River flooding happens when widespread, prolonged rain falls over the catchment of a river. As the river channel reaches capacity, excess water flows over its banks causing flooding. River flooding downstream can occur hours or days after the rainfall has finished. River flooding may coincide or exacerbate flooding in adjacent creeks and tributaries and may itself be exacerbated by higher than normal high tide conditions.

Storm tide flooding happens when a storm surge creates higher than normal sea levels. A storm surge is caused when a low-pressure system or strong onshore winds force sea levels to rise above normal levels. The impact of a storm tide or storm surge is increased during high tides and king tides and can affect low-lying areas close to tidal waterways and foreshores.

Tidal flooding is the temporary inundation of low-lying areas and streets during high tide events, such as at full and new moons. The highest tides of the year may be known as king tides. Areas connected to the foreshore and tide-affected areas of the river, tidal creeks and other waterways are susceptible.