Rochester Flood Management Plan Review and Update

HARC was engaged by Campaspe Shire Council to review and update the Rochester Flood Management Plan following the devastating 2022 flood, which impacted more than 1400 homes (over 80% of the town).

The project involved development of a contemporary hydrologic and hydraulic modelling framework for the 3,390 km² Campaspe River catchment, calibrated to the three largest recorded floods (2011, 2022 and 2024).

The models were used to investigate a broad range of structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures, including Lake Eppalock operating arrangements, levees, retarding basins, drainage improvements and property-level resilience options.

Working closely with Campaspe Shire, North Central CMA, VicSES, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Rochester community, HARC delivered a robust evidence base to support future floodplain management, emergency management planning, and investment in flood mitigation measures for one of Victoria’s most flood-affected communities.