Nearly 8000 properties under flood threat, 6000 without power as Goulburn rises

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Parkside Drive in Shepparton North. Photo: Megan Fisher. Photo by Megan Fisher

More than 7950 properties across Shepparton, Kialla, Mooroopna and Murchison have been flooded and 6000 are without power on the west side of the river as the Goulburn rose to 11.84m in Shepparton overnight.

Search and Rescue had undertaken five rescue operations, all successfully, on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Tatura’s Ballantyne relief centre, which was housing people 119 from Mooroopna and Murchison as of 6am Sunday, was among the 6000 properties which lost power overnight.

Residents walking outside of their homes along Packham Street in North Shepparton. Photo by Megan Fisher

Greater Shepparton City Council was working to get a generator to Tatura as soon as possible, hopefully by 8am Sunday.

There were 162 people at the Shepparton relief centre as of 6am Sunday.

Community members to the west of Goulburn (Murchison, Mooroopna, Tatura and others) requiring medical/hospital support have been attended to by Kyabram Hospital.

Transport has been organised and is ready for people requiring travel to GV Health however preference is to go to Kyabram being a closer option and to share the load with GV Health.

Pine road closed off from Numurkah road. Photo by Megan Fisher

Council said flood water has encroached into the premises of Hakea Lodge, however flood modelling predictions strongly suggest no flood water will enter the building and residents of the lodge will not be at risk.

This has been communicated to the Lodge on site manager and constant communications is being maintained by Victoria Police with the on site manager.

The Salvation Army is in the process of sending a delivery of 100 beds plus pillows, sheets and towels to the Tatura and Shepparton relief centres, as well as bottled water, food packs and fresh fruit.

Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton on Sunday morning. Photo: Anna McGuinness

Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said there was an “eerie, quiet calm” in the city.

Her home near Hayes St was still above water, but had seen floodwaters rising south and west of her.

She said she was concerned about residents in Mooroopna.

“It’ll be a tricky day but I’m concerned about Mooroopna without power. I’ve been talking about making sure expectant mothers are on this side of the river,” she said.

“Mooroopna at last count had one GP and if they’re around is unsure. I’ve spoken to the health minister about the provision, I’m hoping Kyabram’s locum doctor will be available.”

Ms Sheed said the Victorian government had been in touch.

“I’ve had a number of calls from ministers and their advisors asking how to help. Locals are doing an excellent job. Very concerned about people in Mooroopna,” she said.

She thanked the work of volunteers across the region who had stood up.

“One of the things I’ve noticed the volunteers are older people but we’ve seen so many younger people step up and do the hard work and heavy lifting needed,” Ms Sheed said.