The idea was among the community feedback at two community meetings to discuss the shire’s flood modelling.

Meetings at Brim and Warracknabeal addressed flood studies in the areas.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, consultants and council representatives met Brim residents on July 28.

Yarriambiack Shire Council infrastructure manager James Magee said the flood mapping presented was well received. 

He said it showed there were no threats to property in Brim for a one in 100 flood above or below floor level. He said a proposal for an automatic flood warning gauge at Ailsa Road was supported at the meeting.

Mr Magee said a warning regime between Brim and Lah was also suggested.

Council representatives also met about 30 people at a meeting at Warracknabeal on July 30.

Mr Magee said the meeting was an opportunity to review flood mapping in the area. He said it was also an opportunity to gain feedback from the community about the need for permanent levees at Warracknabeal.

Mr Magee said a number of ideas were brought forward at the meeting.

A report tabled at council’s August meeting on Wednesday listed a number of thoughts addressed at the meeting, including support for a full levee with potential for both permanent and temporary sections; the need for small levees to be built as walking tracks; and a suggestion sandbags be placed around pits rather than on top to allow pressure to escape.

It stated the public was satisfied with remnant levees and supported walking tracks that could combine with the natural look of Yarriambiack Creek. Stress caused by phone warnings before and during flooding in January 2011 was also addressed at the meeting.

Mr Magee said the next step was for consultants to complete levee design work.

He said once complete, further community consultation would take place to refine the levee design.