Live blog, October 18: Shepparton Villages residents safe; Evacuate immediately Bunbartha, Barmah
Welcome back to the McPherson Media Group live blog, covering expected flooding across the Goulburn Valley, Campaspe Valley and Murray River.
We’ll have links to stories from across the region in the blog across the day.
A reminder: the most recent news updates are at the top of this blog. As you scroll down, you’ll be travelling backwards in time.
Ensure you stay across alerts on the Vic Emergency app, the Victoria SES website or calling 132 500 if you urgently need assistance. Call 000 in an emergency and remember to never drive through or enter floodwaters.
If you need to contact us, please email editor@sheppnews.com.au — all our editorial staff have been cut off from the office.
UPDATE, 6.25pm: Signing off
This is where I leave you for tonight, we’ll be back tomorrow morning.
Our team in Echuca have been working flat out to stay on top of all that’s happening, visit https://www.riverineherald.com.au/ for more.
Here are a few pics from today:
As always, stay safe. — Caitlyn Grant
UPDATE, 6.20pm: Shepparton Villages residents safe
CEO of Shepparton Villages Veronica Jamison spoke to journalist Nicola Ceccato today about the emergency evacuation of Hakea Lodge residents on Sunday morning.
She has confirmed that residents across all Shepparton Village residences, including Hakea Lodge, are safe.
Find the full story here.
UPDATE, 6.05pm: Matt Guy calls for national disaster declaration
Victoria Opposition leader Matt Guy came to Shepparton today to assess the damage from the floods.
After visiting a number of local businesses and residents in the morning, he had a bit to say, including calling for a national disaster declaration.
“It’s going to be important to do that — I hope that’s taken up as a serious suggestion because I think these communities will need not just that support now but they’ll need to know what comes next.”
Read more by cadet reporter James Kleeman here.
UPDATE, 6pm: STAG show postponed
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group has postponed its first weekend performances of Steel Magnolias.
Opening night will now be next Thursday, October 27, and this week’s shows for Friday to Sunday will be postponed to Friday, November 4, to Sunday, November 6.
Read more by reporter Nicola Ceccato here.
UPDATE, 5.50pm: Broken River Drive update
One of our wonderful sub-editors has sent in an update from Broken River Dve.
She said it’s dry again near Colliver and Palmer roads, except for a few puddles.
The Broken River is still speeding past, but it’s no longer pouring across the road.
UPDATE, 5.45pm: Residents urged to report suspicious behaviour to police
As thousands were forced to leave their homes, police are asking those who remained behind in flooded areas to report anything suspicious.
Shepparton Police Sergeant Josh McCabe said police were mindful of the vacant houses, buildings and vehicles in the area.
Call Shepparton police station on 5820 5777 if you observe any suspect behaviour or unfamiliar people loitering in the area. If an offence is being committed, call 000.
Read more here.
UPDATE, 5.15pm: Flooding easing at Kialla West
Moderate flooding is continuing to ease downstream to Kialla West.
The Seven Creeks at Kialla West is currently at 6.11m and falling slowly with moderate flooding.
It’s expected to remain above the moderate flooding level of 5m for the rest of today and into tomorrow.
UPDATE, 5.10pm: Foodworks Shepparton South continues trading
Foodworks on Colliver Rd has stayed open despite major flooding in the area.
Owner Jimmy Shi said people were coming through on canoes and wading through water to get to his store.
“A lot of people were trapped, they couldn’t get to Coles or Woolworths to stock up, so we knew we had to stay open to service those people,” he said.
He said people were incredibly grateful, and it couldn’t have been done without his workers.
“The purpose of this shop is to service the community, and through the incredible work of my staff we were able to do that at the toughest of times.”
UPDATE, 5pm: Telehealth at medical centres
While the Goulburn Medical Centre building is closed due to flooding, the centre is now offering Telehealth appointments.
Contact the medical centre by phone at 03 5825 1000, people are asked to remain patient as the clinic attempts to fit people in.
Princess Park Clinic is also providing Telehealth services and can be contacted at 03 5821 9655 or bookings can be made online.
Though in case of an emergency, call 000.
UPDATE, 4.45pm: Foodshare funding
Another note from this afternoon’s presser.
Among wider funding boosts for food relief services, $1 million will be provided for Shepparton Foodshare to help it move into a new food relief hub and warehouse after its current premises was inundated by flood water.
I’m signing off for now to go check on my house - which is now accessible. I’ll leave you in the very capable hands of the team.
UPDATE, 4.30pm: Update on schools
A late note from Greater Shepparton Secondary College executive principal Barbara O’Brien to students.
“On SES advice, the Department of Education and Training has confirmed that the school is to close today, Wednesday 19th October. Onsite supervision will not be available,” she said.
“This decision has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our staff and students.
“The College will however be open for Year 12 students only. Any Year 12 student who would like to undertake private study at school is welcome to come into the College tomorrow Wednesday 19th October. Please report to the main office when you arrive.
“Thank you for your understanding and support. Kind regards, Barbara O'Brien, Executive Principal.”
UPDATE, 4.20pm Tuesday: More from earlier Premier presser
Sorry, been a fair bit of info coming in as usual.
All families which have been directly impacted by the floods will be able to send their children to kinder for free for term four, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced in a statewide press conference today.
“Monies that have been paid will be refunded and monies that have not yet been paid will not have to be paid,” Mr Andrews said.
“As you know three and four-year old kinder becomes free from 1 January next year, this effectively brings that forward for those families that have been directly impacted.”
UPDATE, 4pm Tuesday: Access opening up
Reports from our journalists on the ground are that Wilmot Rd in Shepparton is open, providing access to Kialla via it and St Georges Rd.
UPDATE, 3.55pm Tuesday: Schools’ out
Schools are closed across the region today, and likely will be for the rest of the week.
More here from cadet reporter Patrick Morrow.
UPDATE, 3.42pm: Community meeting
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali has thanked residents for the community spirit and resilience they have shown over the past few days, despite the extremely difficult circumstances.
Council and representatives from Emergency Services will be conducting a Community Information Update at 7pm tomorrow, Wednesday 19 October.
The update will be available to view online through a livestream via Council’s Facebook page, Council’s YouTube channel and website. Unfortunately for the safety of the community we cannot invite members of the public to sit in during the update.
UPDATE, 3.40pm: Water, sewerage update
Water and Sewerage update:
Goulburn Valley Water has reported that there has been no impact on water supply to customers in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Toolamba, Tallygaroopna and Congupna, and the treated tap water remains safe to drink.
There has been no flooding impacts on wastewater management facilities in Shepparton and Mooroopna despite a slight overflow on nearby levees and sewer pump systems across Shepparton, Mooroopna, Murchison remain functional.
Find the full story here:
UPDATE, 3.35pm Tuesday: Evacuate immediately Bunbartha
If you are located in Bunbartha, Zeerust, Mundoona or Kaarimba you should evacuate immediately.
Specifically, properties located areas adjacent to the Number 12 Main Channel from McCracken Road in the South to Walshs Bridge Road in the North, and East of Nine Mile Creek to Prentices Road.
UPDATE, 3.20pm: More from the Premier
Here’s what Daniel Andrews has to say when in Shepparton earlier today.
UPDATE, 2.45pm: Premier speaking, update from Telstra
Premier Daniel Andrews is holding a press conference with more updates on the current flood situation.
Once we have a wrap of it for you, we will share it here.
In the meantime, here’s some quotes from Telstra regional general manager Jenny Gray.
"The impact on our network is minimal at this stage but we are monitoring the situation closely," Gray said.
"Our technicians are on the road, installing back-up generators and repairing any damage where necessary and where it’s safe to do so.
"We’re working with emergency services and power authorities to ensure get everyone back online as quickly as possible.
"We’re also contacting customers in flood affected areas to provide assistance packages as required." (edited)
Telstra has activated an assistance package to help customers reach their families and friends. This includes 100GB data packs and free call forwarding for customers who have suffered a short-term impact, evacuation or fault.
UPDATE, 2.35pm: Flood water moving
A major flood warning is in place for the Goulburn River downstream of Shepparton.
A peak of 10.85m is expected overnight at McCoys Bridge.
An evacuate immediately warning has also been issued for Barmah.
•MAJOR FLOODING IS LIKELY TO OCCUR SIMILAR TO OR EXCEEDING LEVELS TO THE 1993 FLOOD EVENT AT BARMAH.
•IF YOU DO NOT EVACUATE IT IS EXPECTED THAT YOU WILL BE ISOLATED WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS BY FLOOD WATERS.
UPDATE, 2.25pm: More from the ICC
Tyler here taking over the blogging duties, please show your thanks for Anna’s hard work by giving her a follow at @annarmcguinness on Twitter.
You may have missed these comments from Incident Controller Ray Jasper on socials while the blog was down.
Residents are being urged not to return to their homes until a ‘safe to return’ order is made out of the ICC.
Shepparton incident controller Ray Jasper said there were resupplying people with urgent essential goods, both at the evacuation centres and going to people on boats who had stayed in their homes.
“But, we don't want people moving in that area, so those evacuation orders ‘do not move’, will be on for the protection of the people in there but also so we don't have other people going in there that shouldn’t be.”
UPDATE, 2.10pm: Sheed’s calls for doctor in Mooroopna
Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has spoken outside Shepparton’s Incident Control Centre after the visit from Premier Daniel Andrews.
She raised concerns about access to healthcare for people in Mooroopna with the causeway shut.
“There is no doctor that I'm aware of in Mooroopna who is currently functioning,” she said.
“I mentioned this to the Premier and I'm so glad he came today, he said he will have me an extra doctor here by the end of the day.
“We need that doctor to be able to service Mooroopna, whether it's telehealth or face-to-face, the need for that is great and I'm very concerned about that lack of access just to day-to-day medical advice for people, I see that as critical for our community.”
UPDATE, 2pm: More photos from the Premier’s visit from our very own Megan Fisher
UPDATE, 1.50pm: State opposition leader Matthew Guy in town
Sorry for the delay on the blog here, our system has been down for about an hour, but we’re back!
It’s a bit of a whirlwind afternoon, first the Premier and now the state opposition leader Matthew Guy is in Shepparton.
He’s at the Shepparton Search and Rescue manning the barbecue.
UPDATE, 12.10pm: Second peak not expected
There are just over 600 people situated at evacuation sites across Greater Shepparton with another centre opening at Nathalia for those in the Barmah area – we’ll have more details on this soon.
Incident controller Ray Jasper said it was estimated the Goulburn River at Shepparton may hold its peak for up to two days.
He said the rainfall forecast for later in the week would mean the floodwater would remain but there wouldn’t be a second peak.
“The caveat will be if we get significant thunderstorms in the catchment over a wide area,” he said.
On leaving the ICC, Daniel Andrews met with Jeihan Elmaz of Lutfiyes Shish Kebab Restaurant and expressed gratitude.
Walking to his car on exit, Mr Andrews reiterated his offer of assistance to City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, saying; “seriously, just ring alright”.
UPDATE, 12pm: Daniel Andrews at the ICC
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is making the rounds at Shepparton’s Incident Control Centre.
The Premier is being briefed on the current situation and giving thanks to the many people hard at work in the centre.
State Member of Parliament Suzanna Sheed is also at the ICC.
More to come.
UPDATE, 11.45am: Doyles Rd congested
People are being asked to avoid Doyles Rd where possible and only travel along the road where necessary due to traffic being congested in the area.
At this stage it is the only entrance into the centre of town due to Wyndham Street being closed.
On site traffic management is currently in place, Greater Shepparton City Council is asking motorists to be safe and mindful of others.
UPDATE, 11.35am: Premier Daniel Andrews visits Shepparton
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has landed at Shepparton Incident Control Centre this morning.
Senior reporter Anna McGuinness is on the scene, more to come.
UPDATE, 10.50am: Major flood peak expected at McCoys Bridge
A major flood peak is expected to hit McCoys Bridge overnight and into tomorrow with the river reaching around 10.85m.
The Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge is at 10.42m and rising, already above the major flood level of 10.2m.
The Goulburn River at Shepparton peaked on Sunday night at 12.06m, below the 1974 flood level of 12.09m, and is sitting at 11.81m and falling slowly – river rises are not expected for Shepparton.
It is predicted to remain above the major flood level of 11m overnight and into Wednesday.
The BOM has forecast further rainfall from Thursday which may lead to renewed river level rises, the situation is being closely monitored.
UPDATE, 10.45am: Community strength
Our team are down at Shepparton's Incident Control Centre this morning and bumped into Jeihan Elmaz of Lutfiyes Shish Kebab Restaurant making coffees and giving out food.
The community spirit is strong.
UPDATE, 10.40am: Road closures
Council has also updated road closures around the region, though there are likely to be more roads closed or inaccessible due to flooding than those that are listed.
A reminder to never enter flood waters and driving through floodwater may also displace water and create waves that enter people's homes.
UPDATE, 10.30am: Rubbish update
Hello, Caitlyn Grant here just taking over while Anna pops out to have a chat with the Victorian Premier.
Greater Shepparton Council has provided an update on the rubbish situation, there is unfortunately no provision to deal with rubbish disposal at the moment.
UPDATE, 10am: Video of the causeway
A video is getting a lot of interest on Facebook this morning, posted by Rob Hanning of the causeway between Shepparton and Mooroopna.
I’ve included a link to it below, but it appears the road has bubbled at the particular spot he filmed.
The causeway was closed on Saturday night and isn’t expected to open for a few more days.
UPDATE, 9.50am: Floodwaters falling at Murchison
We’ve had an update come through for Murchison, where the Goulburn River is at 11.31m and falling.
It peaked at 12.05m about 10.45am on Monday and is likely to fall below the major flood level of 10.7m overnight tonight.
Residents are being told not to return home until a ‘safe to return’ notification is issued.
On the issue of sewerage, it’s anticipated power to pump stations will be restored in the next 12 hours or generators will be put in place, to activate the three pump stations while power is restored to Murchison.
For relief and recovery information go to emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
UPDATE, 9.15am: Read today’s paper free online
If you can’t access a hard copy of today’s Shepparton News, the digital edition is available free online here.
It’s got all of our flood coverage, including updates from across the region and the rundown on the financial package announced by the Victorian Government yesterday.
Just a reminder also that Country News has been delayed due to flooding impacting distribution, and will be in Wednesday’s Shepparton News.
UPDATE, 9am: What News photographer Megan Fisher saw this morning
UPDATE, 8.35am: Evacuation advice downstream of Shepparton
An emergency warning to evacuate was issued late last night for properties in the Bunbartha, Zeerust, Mundoona and Kaarimba areas.
The 11.30pm message said the Loch Garry Weir was failing and flooding was expected to impact areas adjacent to the Number 12 Main Channel from McCracken Rd in the south to Walshs Bridge Rd in the north.
The safest evacuation route listed was the Barmah-Shepparton Rd, with a relief centre at Deakin Reserve on Skene St, Shepparton.
People were advised to evacuate by 11am today (Tuesday), otherwise it may be too late to leave.
UPDATE, 8am: New relief centre opens in Tatura
Greater Shepparton City Council has just announced a new emergency relief centre is open at Victory Hall in Hogan St, Tatura.
People are asked to please bring a mattress, sheets, blankets, pillows and additional food supplies.
Unfortunately pets are not able to be accommodated.
The other existing relief centres are;
– McIntosh Centre, Shepparton Showgrounds; pets, caravans, campervans, trailers and tents all accepted
– Deakin Reserve, Shepparton; no pets can be catered for. Tents allowed on the oval but no access for caravans and campervans or trailers.
– Ballantyne Centre, Tatura; pets, caravans, campervans, trailers and tents all accepted.
UPDATE, 7.30am: Echuca-Moama area bracing for floods
Our thoughts are also with our neighbours in the Echuca-Moama area, where residents are preparing for flooding worse than the 1993 event.
In Echuca, the Campaspe River peaked on Sunday night, but was expected to remain at the major flood level for some days.
A second peak is now coming from the Murray River, which has an expected height of 95m AHD.
At this river height, as many as 1000 to 2000 properties would be affected by major flooding.
A community meeting held in Echuca yesterday heard local authorities were bracing for the possibility of a one in 1000 year flood.
UPDATE, 7.05am: Floodwaters start to recede in Shepparton
Good morning all, as we know the Goulburn River peaked on Sunday night at 12.06m, below the 1974 flood level of 12.09m.
At Orrvale, the Broken River peaked at 8.33m about 9am on Monday.
News photographer Megan Fisher is out and about early this morning and is already seeing signs of the water receding.
Near the Wyndham St and Sobraon St intersection, the water is already back on the other side of the median strip.
What the photos also show, unfortunately, is the beginning of the reality of a huge cleanup for the community, both in the streets and in homes, businesses and on properties.
For comparison here is today vs yesterday.