Two years on, Greater Shepparton City Council is reflecting on the October 2022 flood event.
Flood recovery efforts are still ongoing, with much already achieved in the first two years of the recovery program.
The recovery program focuses on infrastructure, economic, natural environment and social outcomes, and has adapted based on community-led recovery efforts.
While an updated Greater Shepparton Recovery and Resilience Plan and its outcomes will be reported to council and the community in early 2025, some significant recovery efforts from the past two years include:
- Improvement works completed for 100km of sealed and 200km of unsealed roads.
- Lenne St and Howe St drainage upgrade works in Mooroopna.
- Improvement works to the Goulburn River bank slippage.
- Many social activities and events, including movie nights, neighbourhood barbecues, Our Shout community gatherings, comedy nights, Undera the Stars and sports clinics.
- Initiatives including psychological first aid training being offered in communities.
- Community recovery committees established in Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Murchison and Undera.
- Drop-in service over a six-month period at community centres, including one at Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre that still operates on Thursdays for flood victims.
- Approximately 13,500 tonnes of flood-affected waste has been received by council.
Council chief executive officer Fiona Le Gassick commended the efforts and resilience of the Greater Shepparton community over the past two years.
“Our community is acutely aware of how tough it has been following the October 2022 flood emergency,” she said.
“Even two years on, we still have members of our community who continue to be displaced from their homes with rebuilding still under way, and insurance claims still being processed.
“With the impacts of the flood still being endured, it is important to recognise the generosity, empathy and energy that has enabled the significant amount of work to be undertaken over the last two years to assist people to get back on their feet.
“Once again, it has been uniting together in adversity that has gotten us through this difficult time. We are extremely grateful to all who have contributed to the region’s recovery in some way, particularly those who continue to roll up their sleeves even two years on.”
Support is still available. Goulburn Flood Recovery Service can be contacted on 5823 4700, and Arc Justice is available to provide free advice for individuals dealing with insurance claim issues.
Community members are encouraged to reach out to local support services by visiting their local neighbourhood house or community centre, or by speaking with mental health and wellbeing support services such as 13YARN, Beyond Blue, Head to Health, Headspace Shepparton, Lifeline, Wellways or the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
For further information, contact council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au