31 Aug 2016 Euroa Gazette, Euroa VIC (General News) by Will Murray EUROA will receive $120,000 from the State Government toward an upgrade of the Castle Creek flood levee, with the Strathbogie Shire Council contributing a further $60,000. The funds, announced by Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria), will help to increase the height of a 450 metre long section of the existing levee, and rebuild another 300 metre section. Ms Symes, whose family home was flooded in Benalla in 1993, said the levee would both reduce the damage caused by flooding, while fencing would help prevent stock damage. Residents would be alltoo-aware that Euroa is a flood-prone township, with both the Castle Creek and the Sevens Creek catchments contributing to the risk. Since 1990, the town has suffered three major floodsin 1992, 1993 and 2010. Several minor flooding events have also occurred over that time period. A report commissioned by the Strathbogie Shire Council in 2014 labelled the risk of damage as high, and that the repair bill from another major flooding event would be significant without additional flood mapping, intelligence, and subsequent protective measures. The report explained that the drop in altitude from where the creeks rise in the Strathbogie Ranges to the town is over 600 metres. The high level of rainfall in the hills combined with the rapid descent of the waterways, means Euroa would have a flood warning time of less than a day should another major event occur. With the increased likelihood of severe weather events and higher flow rates thanks to a changing climate, the recommendation of the report was that the levee be upgraded, ex tended, and additional culverts and drains be installed. Strathbogie Shire Council chief executive officer, Steve Crawcour, said the partnership between local and State Gov ernment to implement those recommendations was a terrific outcome for the community. The improvements to the Castle Creek levee will go a long way to ensure greater flood protection. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.