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Donald Strengthens Flood Preparedness

Donald Strengthens Flood Preparedness

Publish date: 2 July 2026

Donald is better equipped to withstand future flood events following the completion of a new demountable flood levee along Camp Street, strengthening flood protection on the township side of the Richardson River.

Delivered by Buloke Shire Council and driven by strong advocacy from the Donald community, the project represents a significant investment in the town’s long-term flood resilience. The new infrastructure provides a reusable flood protection system that can be rapidly deployed when flood threats arise.

“The demountable levee will provide added protection for the township and support a faster, more coordinated response during flood events,” said Buloke Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Milne.
“It can be quickly erected to help protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, freeing up emergency management teams to respond where they are needed most.”

The demountable flood barrier has been designed to provide protection against a 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event, commonly referred to as a 100-year flood event.

Constructed by Eco Infrastructure and Engineering Pty Ltd, the project was recently completed following a site inspection and a demonstration of the flood barrier system attended by Council representatives, the Donald Flood Management Committee and community stakeholders.

To ensure operational readiness, Council’s emergency management team has also undertaken a training exercise to test the installation and removal of the demountable flood levee, helping to strengthen local preparedness for future flood events.

The Demountable Levee Project has been funded through the Victorian Government’s Risk and Resilience Grants Program, with significant support from Buloke Shire Council. The total project investment to date is $748,081, including $496,861 from the Victorian Government and a Council contribution of $251,220.

The works delivered as part of the project include the construction of a 22-metre-long, 2.3-metre-high demountable flood barrier, supported by permanent concrete sleeper retaining walls on either side of the structure. The project also involved earthworks and road reconstruction, foundation works for the barrier system, drainage upgrades including culverts, pits and non-return valves, and reconstruction of the adjoining footpath.

Mayor Cr Milne acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project.

"This outcome reflects years of planning, advocacy and cooperation between Council, the Donald Flood Management Committee, government agencies, engineers, contractors and the local community.
"Everyone involved has shared the same objective — improving the safety and resilience of Donald for current and future generations."

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