Yarriambiack Shire has a history of flooding, including the most significant recent flood event in 2011 which recorded widespread riverine and stormwater flooding throughout the Yarriambaick Shire region. 

The highest number of buildings impacted by flooding was recorded in Rupanyup and Warracknabeal. Although minor flood impacts were felt in Brim, Beulah and Hopetoun, a significant number of houses were isolated during this event. As a result theree was widespread damage to roads, crops, stock losses and other community assets along Yarriambiack and Dunmunkle creeks.

There is significant lead time during riverine flood events, for Rupanyup 1 to 3 days and Warracknabeal 3 to 5 days after the Wimmera River stream gauge peaks at Glenorchy.

Towns such as Warracknabeal and Rupanyup are also heavily impacted by stormwater flooding, flooding from local rainfall.  During January 2011 damage to a significant number of buildings was caused by stormwater flooding in these towns. 

In Rupanyup over 149 mm fell over 3 days impacting the Rupanyup Café, and buildings in Cromie, Stewart, Edward, Gibson, Walter, Gordon and Beryl Streets. In Warracknabeal more than 151 mmm over 5 days impacting houses in Lyle Street, Gardiner Street, McIntyre Street, Asquith Reserve and the Borung Highway (east of the Racecourse).

Municipalities can use the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Flood and Storm Sub-Plans to prepare, respond and recover from flood and storm events.

Click the button below to view the MEMP Flood and Storm Sub-Plan.