Shepparton floods | Updates from government officials

Further information on the payments can be found at my.gov.au or by calling 1800 226 226.

Available immediately, the payments are in addition to the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance and the state government’s Victorian emergency relief assistance payment, which are available in local government areas that are impacted.

More than 9000 Victorians have also applied for one-off state assistance payments. Further information on those payments can be found at emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au or 1800 226 226.

Councils will also be in line for a cash injection, with $500,000 to be provided immediately by the state government to the 24 local government areas that have experienced the most profound flood damage.

“$500,000, obviously the flood relief fund has been offered to us by the Victorian Labor Government so we're grateful for that," City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.

"That's going to go a long way as we said, once we get to the peak, post that straight into recovery, we're going to be pushing as much as we possibly can into supporting those in need, it's already starting in some ways with this (the Salvation Army helicopter) and the relief centre ..."

Premier Daniel Andrews, who was in Shepparton on Friday, said the grants were a first step.

“We can be absolutely certain, sadly, that in places like Shepparton, places like Echuca, and others, these waters are going to continue to rise and more and more homes are going to be flooded,” he said.

“That’s why there are important evacuation efforts going on right now.”

Along with the financial support, 250 beds will be made available for people, who have been evacuated from flood-affected communities, at the former Commonwealth quarantine facility in Mickleham, and more than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel are providing assistance across the state.

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said he welcomed the support the region has been receiving from the federal level.

“I have also spoken with Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Nationals Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management Perin Davey who have all indicated their full support and preparedness to respond appropriately once the full extent of the damage and the recovery task is known,” Mr Birrell said.

He also praised the efforts of communities in the flooded areas.

“Despite the scale of the flood emergency, which is far from over, people are supporting each other, helping to sandbag and providing food and shelter to those who have had to move to higher ground,” he said.

State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said she held concerns for those in flood-impacted areas, particularly in Mooroopna and other areas without power, after Powercor de-energised a substation due to rising waters.

The zone substation supplies about 10,688 homes and businesses in the Mooroopna, Tatura, Ardmona, Murchison, Dhurringile, Toolamba, Byrneside and surrounding towns.

“I’m concerned about Mooroopna without power. I’ve been talking about making sure expectant mothers are on this side of the river,” she said.

“Mooroopna, at last count, had one GP and if they’re around is unsure. I’ve spoken to the health minister about the provision, I’m hoping Kyabram’s locum doctor will be available.”

Ms Sheed described the feeling in Shepparton as an “eerie, quiet calm” and praised the many volunteers, who had stepped up to help their community.