Mayor Chrissy Weller said the community and visitors need to be aware of the risks of rising water levels and increased water flows, including the degradation of river banks, and instability of riverside trees.
“In light of high river volumes, particularly in the Murray and Goulburn rivers, council staff have started the process of systematically reviewing equipment, including flood pumps, portable flood pumps and clearing litter traps,” Cr Weller said.
“Low-lying areas along the river would be inundated first, such as rural land and properties along the riverbanks.
“Property owners are encouraged to plan for the high possibility of flooding, to look at moving equipment, such as water pumps, to higher ground, and also start preparing for stock to be moved if a moderate flood level is announced.”
If water levels continue to rise the community will start to see warning signs, or closed road signs.
“Should flooding occur, we urge the community to please follow instructions. The safety of our community is our number one concern,” Cr Weller said.
Council is working closely with the State Emergency Service (SES), the lead agency in high river events, in line with its Municipal Emergency Management Plan.
“Things can change very quickly and we ask the community to be patient and be ‘flood aware, and be prepared’,” Cr Weller said.
For emergency assistance during flood, call 132 500, or in life-threatening emergencies, ring 000. To keep up to date with weather visit the BOM website or download the app.
