At the March council meeting, Greater Shepparton City Council deferred preparation of the Congupna Structure Plan to allow for further detailed flood studies to be undertaken for the Broken River through to Broken Creek.
Recent discussion by council with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has indicated that historical flood data shows inundation of more than 300mm across much of the identified growth area in Congupna.
Congupna has been identified as a potential growth area for more than a decade, first included in council’s Greater Shepparton Housing Strategy (2011) and again in the 2019 Townships Framework Plan Review.
Council allocated $80,000 in the 2025-2026 budget to prepare an updated structure plan in accordance with the Department of Transport and Planning’s structure planning for rural and regional towns guidelines.
However, based on the available historical flooding data, only about 30 per cent of the identified growth area could currently be considered suitable for inclusion in the plan.
GBCMA has since secured funding to undertake a new, detailed flood study encompassing the Congupna growth area.
Council was told the study was expected to be completed by 2028 and would provide contemporary flood information necessary to undertake comprehensive flood impact assessments and consider potential mitigation options.
Until this study is completed, preparation of the Congupna Structure Plan will be deferred by council.
Mayor Shane Sali said while the decision was disappointing, it was necessary to ensure responsible and evidence-based planning.
“We understand that Congupna has long been identified for potential future growth,” he said.
“It is essential that structure planning is informed by accurate and timely flood data so future development decisions are safe, sustainable and achievable.
“The outcomes of the flood study are expected to change the extent of flood-affected land and therefore, completing the structure plan now would likely result in substantial rework.”
Speaking at the council meeting, Deputy Mayor Geoff Akers said he was disappointed with the delay, but that the flood study needed to be completed as it would affect not only Congupna, but also Tallygaroopna.
“Perhaps we could have identified some of this a bit earlier,” he said.
Outside the meeting Cr Akers said the council decision was about avoiding unnecessary costs and future rework.
“Proceeding with a structure plan now, without reliable flood information, would likely result in significant changes once the new flood study is completed,” he said.
“That is why we are deferring this work until we can make informed decisions that balance growth with flood risk management.
“Council will work with all relevant agencies to complete the required work as quickly as possible.”
Cr Paul Wickham said the decision highlighted the need for all authorities to work together in a collaborative way when it came to plans such as this.
Cr Fern Summer said she would like to assure the Congupna community that council would proceed with the Congupna Structure Plan in the future.
“This is a pause, not a stop,” she said.
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