Flood warnings flow across the region as rain continues to fall

SES Hume region community resilience co-ordinator Sara-Jane Bowering said there was a real risk that communities would be impacted by flooding, and people must consider the specific risk to them and their property.

“We have been holding spring preparedness meetings, to prepare the community for potential flooding in the Hume region,” she said.

“With our dams full, and the Murray, the risk of flooding is real.

“At the meetings, we discuss changes to the warnings system, so it conforms to the new national standard, advise attendees what to include in their emergency kits and, most importantly, to have a plan.

“If you were to be evacuated, having a plan means you know exactly what to do and who to contact, in that moment.

“A lot of people ask when to start preparing. Our advice is to prepare now.”

Goulburn-Murray Water says its water storages are near capacity, and the forecast wet weather has it encouraging people who live or farm on floodplains to prepare their properties for rising waters.

G-MW water storage services general manager Martina Cusack has warned, though, that property owners should make themselves familiar with regulations that are in place before undertaking any works to protect their properties.

“During flood events, the changes people make to farm dams and channels can affect water flows and change conditions downstream,” she said.

“It is crucial people know what works are permitted and what works they need authorisation to undertake, both for their own safety and the safety of the community.”

G-MW has released a list of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ to help guide property owners preparing for flood.

Do inspect and monitor your dam prior to flooding. Clear spillways and outlet pipes to help pass floodwater, and repair any cracks and other defects.

Don’t pump any water on your property into G-MW irrigation or drainage channels unless you have a current pumping agreement and have gained approval from GMW to commence pumping. This is to ensure that additional water pumped into these systems does not exceed the channel capacity and cause additional flooding.

Do prepare to move machinery and livestock to higher ground.

Don’t cut your channel to remove water from your property. In a flood event, G-MW’s irrigation system may need to be locked to prevent water travelling down the system and flooding other landholders.

Do contact G-MW’s 24-hour Emergency Line on 1800 064 184 if you have any concerns about the safety of your property. For flood or storm emergency assistance from the SES, call 132 500.

Don’t drive, walk or ride through floodwater.

If you live, work or holiday near a floodplain, you can also do the following to prepare: