For over a decade, Centre Road between Shrives Road and Hallam South Road, adjacent to the Hallam Valley Floodplain has been at risk of flooding at low points following heavy to moderate rain event. This flooding often led to road closure, severely disrupting the businesses of Rimfire Drive industrial estate and residents in Casey Greens.
How long will it take for floodwaters to recede?
Once the Hallam Valley Floodplain reaches its capacity, it can be up to 3 to 4 days before the water recedes. The floodplain caters for more than 100 hectares of catchment and it is not possible to predict an exact timeframe on how long it will take for the floodwater to recede.
Why can't the water be pumped off the road when it floods?
It would be impossible to keep up with the volume of water that would flow back onto the road in these events because the floodplain has such a large catchment flowing into it. An option of pumping water from the O'Gradys Road water body into the Hallam Valley Flood Plain is being investigated by Melbourne Water to confirm whether there will be any practical benefits of implementing such measure.
Why is the bridge over Troops Creek between Shrives Road and Hallam Road closed?
The bridge over Troops Creek was closed to public use many years ago due to it becoming structurally unsafe and to prevent traffic using Centre Road as a major through route. The City of Casey undertook a detailed assessment of the bridge in response to community request to reopen it as an alternative option in the event of flooding in 2023. The assessment concluded reopening is not feasible due to need for traffic management, structural limitations, and high costs.
What are Council's strategies for addressing and preventing future flooding?
Council is seeking to understand the feasibility of lifting Centre Road. Council has undertaken an engineering survey identifying the extent of low points over Centre Road. Further engineering investigations and flood modelling are required to determine the suitability of lifting the road above flood levels without causing any upstream flooding. To complete this work Council requires Melbourne Water to complete the Hallam Valley Flood Mapping work and confirmation on ultimate flood levels. This will inform whether lifting the road in advance of Melbourne Water undertaking flood plain improvement works or the duplication of Hallam Road will reduce the incidence of flooding affecting road access.
Council has been consistently advocating to Melbourne Water to expediate the Hallam Valley Master Planning works that will reduce flooding of Centre Road. Whilst Council understands that Melbourne Water’s Hallam Valley Master planning works are a few years away, we have been advocating to Melbourne Water to prioritise frequent maintenance including desilting of drains that connects the urban catchments into the floodplain.
Are there any avenues for businesses to claim compensation due to flood impact?
Unfortunately, there are no avenues of financial compensation available to local businesses. However, check with your insurance company. Insurance can help your business get back on its feet if things go wrong. You can insure against disasters and for business disruption – to cover your losses during the recovery period. If you already have insurance, check that it covers you for potential risks. Read your product disclosure statement carefully – don't assume you're covered. Look up the definition of certain terms such as floods as they may vary among insurers. You may only have cover for some disasters if you have chosen additional cover.
How can I be better prepared for a flood emergency?
Download a copy of our fact sheet.
Create a Business Continuity Plan. Visit https://business.gov.au/planning/business-plans/develop-an-emergency-management-plan
Check your local flood risk at https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/flood-guides
Monitor weather conditions and forecasts for early signs of heavy rain and potential flooding by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology website – www.bom.gov.au – or download the app.
If heavy rain is predicted, enact your Business Continuity Plan – notify staff, contractors and customers that access may be cut off.
Stay informed and updated via Council's website and social media channels.
Information about road closures and the emergency may also be available at https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/ or https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, visit https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/prepare-for-emergency