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. There is no immediate change to current operations.

The district’s flood protection infrastructure provides protection to GMW customers in the district during minor and moderate floods.

The infrastructure consists of 9.6km of levees and the Loch Garry flood regulator near Bunbartha which has been in place for over a century but is nearing the end of its expected lifespan within the next 20 years.

Under the Future Service Strategy, GMW has been considering different future management options for flood protection services in the district.

This is due to factors such as the regulator’s age, the growing risks of more frequent and intense floods, and substantial costs associated with a complete upgrade of the regulator.

GMW General Manager Strategy and Services Planning Steven Abbott said following extensive technical analysis and community consultation GMW has now released the draft Loch Garry 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,” he said.

“Extensive community engagement to get to this point has included online and in-person community sessions, survey feedback, and discussions with a Community Reference Group which included representatives from the Loch Garry flood protection district.

“Our Loch Garry Customer Committee, which is made up of Loch Garry flood protection district customers, has also been consulted about the project and continues to provide input about it as well.”

Mr Abbott stressed that the release of the draft strategy was not changing anything across the Loch Garry Flood Protection District in the short-term.

“There is no change to current operations at Loch Garry, the revised operating rules are still in place, and no infrastructure will be removed from the district in the short-term,” he said.

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

The strategy will be reviewed and considered by GMW’s Board later this year.

Once approved, the final strategy will be published on GMW’s ‘Your Say’ website: yoursay.gmwater.com.au/loch-garry-FSS

Individuals can view the draft Loch Garry Flood Protection District Future Service Strategy from the above link as well.

Questions and comments about the draft strategy can be provided by Friday 12 June 2026 by contacting GMW on 1800 013 357 or via email: yoursay@gmwater.com.au