With the Goulburn Valley’s catchment full to the brim and the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting 15 to 25 millimetres of rain on Friday, Greater Shepparton City Council is warning residents to do all they can to prepare for possible flooding.
Water storage dams and lakes, such as Lake Eildon, are at capacity and releasing water, and that could continue for some weeks given the bureau is forecasting above average rainfall for spring and summer.
That means centres such as Shepparton and others are vulnerable to the possibility of flooding.
Low-lying areas along the Murray and Goulburn rivers, among other river and creek systems across the Goulburn Valley, are already experiencing minor flooding and authorities fear a larger flood is possible if the rains keep coming.
As a result, the council has released the following advice for residents:
Plan and Prepare
1. Know your local flood history
Greater Shepparton has a history of flooding, including in 1870, 1916, 1974, 1993 and more recently in 2010.
- 1974 was a Goulburn River-dominant flood
- 1993 was a Broken River-dominant flood
- 2010 was a flood that saw gauges on the Goulburn and Broken river and Seven Creeks peak at major levels
During the 2010 flood, 13 houses and 31 buildings were flooded, 620 houses were isolated and more than 60 people attended the relief and recovery centre.
Floods like this, or worse, could occur again. Even if your property is not affected by floodwater, you may be impacted indirectly by road closures, isolation and disruption to essential services, including telephones, power and sewerage.
Flooding from the rivers in Greater Shepparton usually lasts between four and seven days, depending on the rainfall. Roads and properties can also flood due to water backing up in the storm-water drainage system.
Flash flooding, caused by heavy rainfall, can also occur in low-lying areas, especially in the industrial and business areas of Mooroopna and Shepparton East and around the Doyle’s Rd-Midland Hwy roundabout. These flash floods only last a few hours, but can be dangerous and cause extensive damage.
The best thing we can do as a community is to plan and prepare. Flood guides for Greater Shepparton are located on the SES website, www.ses.vic.gov.au
2. Have an emergency plan
It takes very little time to prepare one and may save lives and property. The SES has a step by step guide and a template to help at https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/create-an-emergency-plan
Have an emergency kit — make sure you have essential items on hand and the kit is in an easy-to-grab spot. It should include:
- Radio (battery-powered)
- Torches
- A supply of batteries (multiple sizes)
- Device chargers (solar-powered and standard)
- Mobile phone
- Food — basic staples that don't require heating or cooling
- Bottled water
- Warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes
- Spare medication, prescriptions
- A first-aid kit
- Pet essentials
- Cash and a printed copy of your emergency plan (RediPlan)
3. Know what to do
Set a watch zone on the VicEmergency App, whether at home or at a holiday destination. Know what to do:
- Bag it: Get your sandbags ready and in place to prevent water from entering your property
- Block it: Block drains, toilets, and doorways
- Lift it: Lift your valuables up high
- Leave: Get on your way to a safe destination as soon as possible
Remember, Stay Safe
- Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
- Never allow children to play in or near floodwater
- If evacuated, do not return until it is safe to do so
- Follow the advice of authorities (including any requests for evacuation)
- Leave early before flooding occurs and go to family or friends on higher ground if you can
- Contact family, neighbours and those you know are at risk to ensure they are aware of the situation and know what to do