Flood water in Shepparton, Mooroopna and Kialla is beginning to recede, but will stay above major flooding levels for some time to come.
A second peak for the Goulburn River at Shepparton has been ruled out despite more rain across the region forecast over the next week, but areas around Bunbartha and Barmah have evacuate immediately warnings in place.
McCoys Bridge in Nathalia was predicted to see a peak of 10.85m of the Goulburn overnight, while Barmah’s flooding is likely to see levels similar or above that of 1993.
Clean-up efforts are under way in areas among the wider region, including Benalla, Seymour, Euroa, Rochester and Murchison.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor 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 on Wednesday, October 19.
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 council cannot invite members of the public to sit in during the update.
“Seeing the flooding across the region over the past few days has been difficult for everyone. Thousands of properties have been affected by floodwaters in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Murchison, Tatura and our other small towns too,” Cr Sali said.
“While this has been an extremely tough time for us all, residents have remained calm and patient, and the community spirit shown has been unlike no other. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone across Greater Shepparton for helping out in whatever way they can.”
Council has opened up a volunteer register for those wishing to help, which can be accessed here https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/emergencies/flood/flood-respond/how-to-help
More than 600 displaced residents are sheltering in emergency relief centres at the Shepparton Showgrounds, Deakin Reserve, Tatura Park and the Tatura's Victory Hall.
More than 1500 residents remain without power in Victoria, and most of those in Mooroopna and its surrounds, but that number is steadily declining, and while schools, kindergartens and many daycare services remain closed — and will do so for most of the week — water, sewerage and most mobile services are holding up to the pressure of the emergency.
Council has provided an update on the rubbish situation, there is unfortunately no provision to deal with rubbish disposal at the current time.
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 on Tuesday.
“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.”
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.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news at sheppnews.com.au as our team works around the clock to run a live blog through this flooding emergency.