But the idea has been met with cynicism from residents, who have been waiting for about seven years for the area’s risk of flooding to be mitigated.

Expressions of interest are being sought for five positions reserved for community members.

Central Goldfields Shire chief administrator Noel Harvey said the ideal applicants would have strong links within the community of Carisbrook.

“The purpose of the group is to help us engage with the community and inform the community,” Mr Harvey said.

Carisbrook property owner Wayne McKail said the council could use its website, social media, advertising and council meetings to the same effect. 

“I think it’s wholly and solely to so they can say, ‘We’ve engaged with the community and they know what’s going on,’” Mr McKail said.

He had his doubts about how effective a reference group would be.

“I think they’re reinventing the wheel,” Carisbrook resident Ian Boucher said.

He said it was ‘ridiculous’ a community reference group was being formed so long after the floods of January 2011, which inundated 300 homes in Carisbrook.

Two of the four stages of a flood levy have been completed.

The final two stages are dependent on the council acquiring a property required for levy construction.

“That’ll be the only thing that’ll help,” Mr Boucher said.

“The last thing residents need, second to flooding, is another committee. They need action.”

Former Central Goldfields Shire councillor Helen Broad was involved in one of the previous committees – a group she said was still actively serving the community.

She, too, questioned Carisbrook’s need for a new reference group.

“Is it because they think we weren’t informing the community?” Ms Broad said.

(DOCUMENT: Carisbrook Flood and Drainage Management Plan Community Reference Group Terms of Reference)

She and other members of the working committee recently met with the council to discuss where implementation of the Carisbrook Flood and Drainage Management Plan was at.

Mr Harvey said the council was about to start legal processes surrounding the acquisition of a single property owner’s land.

“We need people to understand why it’s taking the time that it is,” he said.

Mr McKail said he was given a similar response when he asked the council for an update during its June meeting, at which councillors resolved to establish the reference group.

Expressions of interest are open until 5pm on July 20.

Members will be appointed to the reference group following a report to the July council meeting, which is scheduled to take place four days later.

The group’s first meeting is expected to take place two weeks after the appointment.

“The Reference Group will work closely with council staff and the community to effectively and efficiently deliver the remaining flood management infrastructure and develop ongoing management practices for the community to manage future flood events,” Mr Harvey said.

“The group will ensure a high level of community knowledge and satisfaction with future works and a better understanding of the levy system and associated works.”

To submit an expression of interest email mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au with, ‘Carisbrook Flood and Drainage Management Plan Community Reference Group’ in the subject line.

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