The anniversary of the October 2022 floods may be another passing day for some, while for others, it will prompt reflection, sadness, frustration or relief. Council is committed to the continued support of community and business with many flood initiatives still underway.
Flood recovery efforts are still ongoing, however it is important to highlight the mountain of work that has occurred over the past 24 months through the flood recovery program being delivered in partnership with our community. The recovery program focuses on built or infrastructure, economic, natural environment and social outcomes, and has adapted based on community-led recovery efforts.
While an updated Greater Shepparton Recovery and Resilience Plan and its outcomes will be reported to Council and the community in early 2025, some significant recovery efforts from the past two years include:
- Remediation completed for 100 kilometres of sealed and 200 kilometres of unsealed Council roads.
- Lenne Street/Howe Street Mooroopna drainage upgrade project to reduce the impact of flash flooding and aid community recovery – funded by Council, Emergency Management Victoria, and the National Emergency Management Agency.
- Remediation of Goulburn River bank slippage – funded by Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, and Local Government.
- Many social activities and events have been delivered such as movie nights, neighbourhood BBQs, community gatherings such as Our Shout’s, comedy nights, Undera the Stars, and sports clinics provided community members the opportunity to build social connection, obtain information on flood recovery and support services available.
- Initiatives such as Psychological First Aid training has been delivered in impacted communities to support recovery by helping people to identify their immediate needs, community needs, and their strengths and abilities to meet these needs.
- Community Recovery Committees established in Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Murchison, and Undera. The committees are actively shaping flood recovery activities and events in their community. These Committees are about to commence working on Community Emergency Management Plans (CEMP) for their towns supported by Council’s Community Recovery Coordinators in partnership with The Six C’s Emergency Management specialists, which will aid community members identify local emergency management priorities.
- Council’s Community Recovery Coordinators provided a drop-in service over a six month period at the North Shepparton Community Learning Centre, South Shepparton Community Centre, Tatura Community House, Murchison Neighbourhood House and Mooroopna Education & Activity Centre (MEAC) providing flood recovery support services. Council continues to provide a drop-in service at MEAC for flood impacted community members every Thursday from 11am to 7pm.
- Approximately 13,500 tonnes of flood affected waste has been received by Council. Disaster Relief Australia and community groups such as the Mooroopna Football Netball Club played a role in cleaning up flood waste in the community.
Council’s CEO, Fiona Le Gassick, commended the resilience and efforts of the Greater Shepparton community over the past two years and reflected on all the work that has been undertaken to assist with the region’s recovery and rebuild.
“Our community is acutely aware of how tough it has been following the October 2022 flood emergency. Even two years on we still have members of our community who continue to be displaced from their homes with rebuilding still underway, and insurance claims still being processed,” she said.
“With the impacts of the floods still being endured, it is important to recognise the generosity, empathy and energy that has enabled the significant amount of work to be undertaken over the last two years to assist people to get back on their feet. Once again it has been uniting together in adversity that has gotten us through this difficult time. We are extremely grateful to all who have contributed to the region’s recovery in some way, particularly those who continue to roll up their sleeves even two years on”.
It is important to know that support is still available. Goulburn Flood Recovery Service (GFRS) has established a direct contact number for case management; 5823 4700, and Arc Justice is available to provide free advice for individuals dealing with insurance claim issues.
Community members are encouraged to reach out to local support services and visit their Neighbourhood House or Community Centre. Council has published a Community Support Directory titled ‘Looking out for ourselves and others’ accessible via Council’s website or by contacting your local Neighbourhood House.
Mental health and wellbeing support services such as 13YARN, Beyond Blue, Head to Health, Headspace Shepparton, Lifeline, Mental Health and Wellbeing Local and Wellways located in Shepparton provide support to community members who may require the service, particularly as we pass the two year anniversary.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
