For a rural city with a propensity to flood, being built largely on a flood plain, Benalla has managed to avoid any major incidents for some time.
Water levels were significantly higher than usual in September 2010.
That year the showgrounds and lakeside area went under, with the Benalla Bowls club greens sustaining damage. Benalla Art Gallery also had items in its store room damaged.
However, the damage to business and property was limited.
Prior to that, even those in town who did not live here at the time will be aware of the 1993 floods — which devastated much of the Rose City.
A third La Niña event in as many years has been confirmed, and a wet spring and summer forecast, on top of this year’s snow melt.
These factors are combined with the fact the ground is already waterlogged and most dams across the north-east are either at, or close to reaching, capacity.
As such the Victoria State Emergency Service has begun preparations for the risk of floods and severe storms — and Victorians are being urged to start actively preparing too.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast above median rainfall through spring, with the period August to October likely to be above median for much of Victoria.
Now is the time for individuals, families and communities to start thinking about preparedness — for storms and floods.
VICSES volunteers are highly skilled and train consistently throughout the year to ensure readiness to respond to emergencies.
VICSES chief officer Tim Wiebusch is reminding communities to prepare for these conditions now, and to understand the local risk.
“VICSES volunteers are highly trained and will be ready and prepared to respond to requests for assistance to flood and storm events as required, however we are asking communities to also prepare,” Mr Wiebusch said.
“Make sure you stay informed, and listen to the advice of emergency services as warnings are issued.
“It’s vital Victorians ensure to never drive on flooded roads. It can take just 15cm of water to float a small car.
“The single biggest cause of flood related fatalities in this country is people in their vehicles. Driving through flood waters could be the last decision you make.
“The last two years have been two of the busiest in our organisation’s history and our SES volunteers have continued to answer the call and I thank each and every one of them for that as they once again prepare for a busy season ahead,” Mr Wiebusch said.
To download your Local Flood Guide, visit: ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/flood-guides
Ensure to also download the VicEmergency App and set up a Watch Zone for all the latest warnings and advice messaging in your local area.