After years of waiting, Donald’s long-anticipated flood levee project has reached completion, with construction of the town’s second demountable flood barrier recently finished by Eco Infrastructure.

The second wall, located on the town side of the Richardson River, has been under construction since April 13. It completes Donald’s pair of demountable flood barriers designed to protect the township from future flooding. The first barrier, on the Johnson Goodwin Village side of the river, was constructed following the 2011 floods using a different design.

On Tuesday, June 23, representatives from Buloke Shire Council, the Donald Flood Management Committee, Donald Steel and other community stakeholders inspected the completed project during a site walkthrough.

Inspectors praised the wall’s structural design, appearance and ease of assembly. Manufacturer AWMA Water Control Solutions advised the FloodFree Barrier is 22m wide and 2.4m high, custom designed to withstand up to 60 tonnes of water pressure.

The project follows years of advocacy by the Donald Flood Management Committee,

which lobbied for improved flood protection with the support of Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh. The $748,081 project was funded through a $496,881 Victorian Government Risk and Resilience Grants Program grant, with Buloke Shire Council contributing $251,220.

Attention has now turned to ensuring the system can be deployed quickly if required. On Monday, June 29, Buloke Shire Council conducted a training exercise for depot staff and emergency management personnel, allowing crews to practise assembling and dismantling the barrier before it is needed in an emergency.

The new system is expected to provide faster flood protection for Donald while reducing the demand on council and SES resources, enabling emergency personnel to assist other town communities if required.

Donald Flood Management Committee chairperson Greg Nunn said completing the project was a significant milestone after years of planning and advocacy.

“It’s worth the wait,” Mr Nunn said. “It’s taken so long, it’s almost unbelievable to look at, but we’re so glad it’s finally finished.”

The completion of the project marks the end of a long campaign for improved flood protection and the beginning of a new chapter in Donald’s flood preparedness.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 2 July 2026.