Tirrengower Drainage Scheme Advisory Committee

Tirrengower Overview

The Tirrengower Drainage Area includes approximately 10,000 ha of land in Bungador, Swan Marsh and Irrewillipe areas.

The land is flat and drainage of farmland relies on the effective functioning of drainage lines that run through private land.

Minor changes in effectiveness of the drain can have significant impacts on the performance of the system overall and contribute to widespread flooding of farmland and other assets.

There has historically been in place a designated drainage scheme to ensure that the drains are kept well maintained and function as intended.  

Tirrengower Drainage Scheme

In 1995 a Special Rate was introduced by the Colac Otway Shire (Council), where the monies raised were spent on the re-establishment and maintenance of the Tirrengower Drainage System.

This Scheme remains in place and has been declared by Council as being subject to a Special Rate in its annual budget, with payments used to fund maintenance works to the drainage scheme.

Under the former Local Government Act 1989 Council had delegated the function of managing maintenance of the scheme to a Committee of Council comprising community members. With the introduction of a new Local Government Act in 2020, this Committee structure no longer applies. 

Council Review

Council has undertaken a review of options for governance of future maintenance of the drainage scheme and considered this at its meeting on 11 September 2024.

Council has resolved to establish an Advisory Committee of Council under its Committees Policy.

This Committee will ensure that landowners impacted by the drainage scheme will continue to advise Council on maintenance priorities, however the key difference is that Council will be responsible for engaging contractors to undertake works. 

Landowners

It is important that Colac Otway Shire continue receiving advice from landowners on maintenance priorities to ensure the successful operation of the drainage scheme and encourage the landowners to consider nominating to be a part of the Committee.

Become a Committee Member

Community members who have an interest in the Tirrengower Drainage Scheme and believe they can make a valuable contribution are encouraged to apply.

Meetings will be held quarterly and at a time and day which suits the majority of the Committee members.

Please use the below online form to submit your nomination. If you have any questions, please contact Council by phone on 5232 9400 or email inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au