Flood resilience enhanced for Omeo’s Livingstone Park

East Gippsland Shire Council is enhancing flood resilience for Omeo’s Livingstone Park with mitigation works to begin soon on protecting the 24-hectare centrepiece of Omeo.

Under a detailed flood-remediation plan, prepared by a specialist waterway consultant, a series of improvements are proposed to strengthen the park's natural defences against the impacts of flooding and enhance its appeal for locals and visitors.

East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded the remediation works contract to local firm Dinner Plain Services, with the project scheduled to begin next month.

The flood mitigation works will include:

• rock chutes,

• a rock crossing, and 

• extensive new plantings. 

This will not only address recent flood damage but will provide long-term stabilisation of the floodway through Livingstone Park.

Three blue gum trees and one red gum tree will need to be removed to construct one of the rock chutes. This decision is on the advice of environmental assessments and in consultation with a local arborist.

Mayor John White advised “we understand how much the community values Livingstone Park, and we’re committed to ensuring it remains a safe and beautiful space for everyone.

“The removal of these gums has been carefully considered. Our focus is on creating a park that can better withstand future floods while preserving the park’s natural appeal.

“We value the character of our towns and environment and work with our local communities to both build reliance and improve capacity to prepare for natural disasters.” 

Council has planned additional tree and groundcover plantings as part of the project, which will enhance the park’s biodiversity and greenery. This revitalisation will give Livingstone Park a sustainable future, allowing it to continue serving as a place of connection and well-being for the Omeo community.

The project is funded by Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria.