Congupna
This information is only a guide and has not been verified. No liability is accepted for any damage, loss or injury caused by errors or omissions in this information or for any action taken by any person in reliance upon it. Every Flood is Different and may produce different results than have been seen in past flooding events.
The SES has provided a Local Flood Guide for the Township of Congupna. It can be found here: Congupna Local Flood Guide
The information contained in this document as well as the Greater Shepparton Municipal Flood Emergency Plan have been used to provide the information on this page.
Flood Risk in Congupna
Congupna Township does not have any water ways that run through it, though Pine Lodge Creek and O'Keefe Creek may threaten surrounding farm land.
Slow moving flood water over land from the Broken River can pose a risk to the community. When the Broken River is in flood, floodwater heads east to the East Goulburn Main Channel and then north West towards Congupna.
Congupna is susceptible to flash flooding caused by significant Rain fall in a short space of time causing road closures and isolation. Rain over 75mm over 24 hours is likely to overwhelm the drainage network
In the worst flood (1993) with six properties receiving above floor flooding and was caused by slow moving flood water from the broken River
It can take from weeks to months for all flood water to dissipate around Congupna
Roads Subject to Flooding
The following roads are known to be effected by floodwater
Wallace Street
Katamatite - Shepparton Main Road
During a flood more than the listed roads may be inundated, this is to be used only as a guide.
5.51 Meters at the Benalla Gauge the following may happen
Midland Highway closed by VicRoads
New Dookie Road closed the next day
Old Dookie Road will be considered for closure
Lemnos - Cosgrove Road will be considered for closure
Lemnos North Road will be considered for closure
Old Grahamvale Road will be considered for closure
Lemnos North Road will be monitored a prepared for closure
Congupna East Road will be monitored a prepared for closure
All Roads are subject to inundations during a flash flood event, do not drive though flood water, car's can float in as little as 15cm of water and damage to the road may not be visible along with manhole and drain covers being dislodged.
Flood gauges
The two Gauges relevant to Congupna are;
Broken River Gauge at Benalla
Gowangardie Weir (No warnings are provided from this gauge)
The following river heights at the Broken River Gauge in Benalla have caused flooding in Congupna
4.28m: When water from the Broken River Enters Pine Lodge Creek and O'Keefe Creek (1974 Flood) Congupna was not flooded in the 2010 Floods.
5.5m: Water from the Broken River slowly moves over land impacting the township of Congupna (1993 Flood)
Water Flow time
It usually takes 24 - 48 hours for riverine floods to peak in the Congupna area after the Broken River floods though every flood is different historical data suggest the approximate flow rates are as stated below.
Benalla Gauge - Gowangardie Weir : ~29 Hours
Gowangardie Weir - New Dookie Road : ~12 Hours
New Dookie Road - Congupna East Road: ~1 Day
Congupna East Road - Katamatite Road: ~1 Day
Katamatite Road - Tallygaroopna: ~1 Day
1993 Flood Gowangardie Weir - Tallygaroopna: 2.5 days, so would be less for Congupna
Sandbagging locations
If deemed necessary by Incident Control Centre (not Shepparton Search & Rescue), a sandbagging location will be setup. The most likely location is the Congupna recreation reserve behind the goals at eastern end of oval.
Rainfall levels and flooding
History can show us what the following rainfalls can cause the township of Congupna. It is however not flawless as it depends on a number of factors including how wet the ground is and how quickly the rain fell.
75 millimetres
Come up through drains in nearby streets.
Cover local roads, tracks and low level bridges
Spread across land or go into out buildings on some properties and farms.
125 millimetres
Start to threaten buildings, roads, power and other developments.
Require evacuation in some areas.
Cover main roads.
150 millimetres
Threaten more houses and businesses requiring many evacuations
Cause properties and whole areas to be cut off, isolated by floodwater.
Disrupt major roads, and transport routes.
200 millimetres +
Likely to result in widespread flooding, e.g. 2012 flood event