Weir releases help water levels but brace for further rain

More rain forecast: The sound shell at the inundated Goulburn Park after flooding from the Goulburn River. Photo by Murray Silby

Goulburn-Murray Water is encouraging people to be prepared for further wet weather.

G-MW emergency controller Sam Green said Lake Eildon was one of two G-MW-managed storages being operated with gated spillways.

Unlike fixed crest spillways, the gated spillways mean water can be released from the storages below flood levels allowing for further inflows.

“We have managed ... Lake Eildon so we can mitigate the effects of any inflows on the communities downstream,” Mr Green said.

“For example, during these floods, inflows to Lake Eildon peaked at 100,000 megalitres/day, but releases from Lake Eildon have never exceeded 38,000Ml/d.

“However, people need to be aware that releases from these storages are just one factor effecting downstream conditions.

“All our rivers have many tributaries feeding them that can contribute to higher water levels.

“Farmers should have machinery and livestock moved to higher ground, and people should keep checking the VicEmergency App or website to stay across any warnings.”

A ‘Watch and Act’ warning has been issued for moderate flooding in the Emily St area along the Goulburn River, Seymour.

Though the warning is still in place, VicEmergency advises that river levels were slowly receding on Tuesday, October 25.

For up-to-date flood warnings visit: www.emergency.vic.gov.au