Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has released a draft Future Service Strategy to guide the long‑term management of flood protection services in the Loch Garry Flood Protection District.

Ageing assets, the substantial cost of a full upgrade, and the increasing risk of more frequent and intense flood events highlighted the need for a broad‑ranging review of Loch Garry.

About the draft Future Service Strategy

The draft strategy brings together technical investigations, flood modelling and extensive community engagement to identify a preferred long‑term direction for the Loch Garry Flood Protection District.

It identifies a preferred approach of a gradual return to more natural floodplain conditions over time, supported by staged planning, investment and ongoing engagement.

What this means now

• There is no change to current operations
• Revised operating rules remain in place
• No infrastructure will be removed in the short-term.

The strategy sets a long‑term direction only, with any future changes subject to further planning, approvals, funding and engagement.

Draft strategy now available

The draft Loch Garry Flood Protection District Future Service Strategy is available to download. You can view the draft Future Service Strategy in the Document Library on this page.

The document outlines the background, assessment process, preferred long‑term approach and implementation considerations in detail.

Understanding flood protection at Loch Garry

The Loch Garry Flood Protection District provides protection for minor and moderate flood events only (generally up to a 1‑in‑7‑year flood).
It was not designed to provide protection from major flood events, and none of the options considered as part of this strategy involved upgrading the system to provide major flood protection.

Next steps

The Loch Garry Flood Protection District Future Service Strategy will be reviewed and considered by GMW’s Board later this year.

Once approved, the final strategy will be published on this website.

More information

Questions or comments about the draft strategy can be provided by Friday 5 June 2026.

• Phone: 1800 013 357

• Email: yoursay@gmwater.com.au

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has contributed feedback throughout the consultation process. Community input has been an important part of shaping the future direction for Loch Garry.