Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 6 October, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Flood Information Update: 6 October 2022

Posted on Thursday 6th of October, 2022,

Up to almost 100 millimetres of rain is forecast for Shepparton before this weekend. Rivers, creeks and water storages are at, or over, capacity, as we warn Greater Shepparton residents to prepare for possible flooding across the region.

In a flood event, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the lead agency, however we have prepared the following information to assist residents to identify and better understand their local flood risk, including information about flood history, how to prepare and respond to floods and who to contact.

Plan and Prepare

1. Know your local flood history

The Greater Shepparton area 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 which saw gauges on the Goulburn, Broken and Seven Creeks peak at major level

During this 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 this area usually lasts about four to seven days depending on the rainfall. Roads and properties can also flood due to water backing up in the stormwater drain 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 Road-Midland Highway roundabout. These flash floods only last a few hours but can be dangerous and cause extensive damage.

The best thing we do as a community is to plan and prepare. Flood guides for Greater Shepparton are located on the SES website.

VICSES Flood Guides

2. Have an Emergency Plan

Have an Emergency Plan, it takes very little time and may save lives and property. VICSES has a step by step guide and a template to help.

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)

Emergency Plan template

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

Bag it, Block it, Lift it & Leave

Stay Safe

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