Flood mitigation works for Cardigan Village and Miners Rest communities

The City of Ballarat is progressing flood mitigation projects to better protect Cardigan Village and Miners Rest communities.

The flood mitigation projects will focus on upgrading stormwater systems, improving water flow management and implementing engineered solutions to reduce the risk of flooding in these areas.

The City of Ballarat has advertised a tender for design services for the Cardigan Village Flood Mitigation project after completing flood modelling that identified several flooding hotspots within the township.

The flood study outlined several mitigation solutions, and the successful engineering consultant will be required to design four flood protection measures for assessment and consideration.

As part of the Miners Rest Drainage Plan, updated flood modelling has also been completed.

A concept design that targets interventions in key areas to provide flood protection, while minimising the impact of works on local residents and the environment, is now underway.

The City of Ballarat plans to engage a civil design consultant to further develop the concept design this year, prior to commencing construction.

The City of Ballarat 2024-25 Budget included an increased investment in drainage projects to address storm event flooding in Cardigan Village and Miners Rest communities.

The Budget allocated $6.5 million for drainage projects, including the Cardigan Village Flood Mitigation project and for the Miners Rest Drainage Plan, with additional funding proposed for future years’ budgets.

City of Ballarat North Ward Councillor Jim Rinaldi said while there is a lot of design and engineering work still to be done, once completed, the projects will help protect the two communities.

“We are committed to taking action to help reduce flood risks and provide long-term storm resilience for Cardigan Village and Miners Rest,” he said.

“The project teams will consult with local residents throughout the process at key stages to keep them updated on developments and address any questions.”

Areas of Cardigan Village and Miners Rest have experienced flooding during storms in recent years, highlighting the need for improved drainage infrastructure and flood prevention measures.

Overland flow plays a significant role for the flooding and drainage problem in Cardigan Village, with unlined open drains conveying stormwater flows to the wetlands and detention basins.  

Areas of Miners Rest can flood via the Burrumbeet Creek during large storm events.