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Last updated: February, 2026
Project overview
Goulburn Valley Water is constructing a permanent flood barrier around the Shepparton Water Treatment Plant (Welsford Street) to protect essential drinking water services during major flood events.
The barrier will encircle the entire plant footprint (approximately 468 metres in length), with a height that varies between 1.5 and 3 metres, and will include flood gates at Welsford Street and Vaughan Street.
The project is co‑funded through a $2 million contribution from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, with additional support from Goulburn Valley Water through its capital works program.
The barrier will help maintain safe, reliable water services for customers in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Congupna, Toolamba and Tallygaroopna during significant floods.
The project is currently in the design phase, with site investigations commenced, detailed design due by the end of 2026, and construction planned in 2027 (subject to approvals).
About the project
The October 2022 floods highlighted a key vulnerability at the Shepparton Water Treatment Plant.
A temporary barrier kept the site operating, but the event reinforced the need for a permanent solution as extreme weather events become more frequent.
This project will deliver a fit‑for‑purpose flood barrier to safeguard water supply operations and improve the security and reliability of services across Greater Shepparton.
The barrier will surround the entire plant, varying in height and materials, based on local topography and flood levels.
The current concept allows for a hybrid wall solution tailored to site constraints (e.g. concrete/post‑and‑panel and/or sheet piling in select sections), with landscaping along the heritage and facility frontages.
Sliding flood gates are planned at Welsford Street and Vaughan Street, with automation and remote operation being investigated to enhance safety and response capability. The barrier will be constructed along the existing site boundary and will not interrupt drinking water supply.
GVW has engaged Stantec to lead design and delivery.
The project draws on a multidisciplinary team of 50 specialists across civil, structural, mechanical and dam engineering; geotechnical; flood modelling; heritage; planning; stakeholder engagement; geoscience; surveying; landscape architecture; ecology; and electrical/SCADA systems.
The design is being progressed in consultation with key stakeholders including the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Greater Shepparton City Council, and the Yorta Yorta Nation to minimise environmental impacts and align with regional floodplain objectives.
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