Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority is collecting data from residents, councils and SES crews to update their floodplain management plans for its region, which includes Ararat and Hamilton.

The state government released its flood strategy in April last year along with $25 million for CMAs to access for flood investigations, improved warning systems, mitigation works and other flood-related activities.

GHCMA floodplain and works manager Steve Homer said they were after the most up-to-date information possible.

“The intent is to highlight areas for future investment in managing floodplain issues,” Mr Homer said.

“We’re working with councils and the SES (to learn) about where the priority areas are.

“The sort of things we’re after is (to find out if) we need better information or more flood studies to understand where the risk is to properties and people’s safety, or how people may benefit from improved warnings, or potential forms of mitigation works to reduce the impacts of flooding (such as) culvert upgrades (or) flood walls.”

Information including photos can be submitted via floodplainstrategy@ghcma.vic.gov.au or calling the GHMCA.

Public information sessions have been held in Hamilton, Warrnambool, Heywood and Skipton.