Sunraysia region moving towards Murray River flood recovery

Published on 05 January 2023

The Sunraysia region has moved into a new phase in the Murray River flood event, beginning the transition to recovery.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Hawson said that while this meant the closure of the Incident Control Centre this week, the Sunraysia region was still very much in a response phase, stressing the community would continue to be well supported and protected.

“While the Incident Control Centre may have closed, our community can be reassured the same hierarchy remains in place, albeit on a smaller scale, in the event of an incident, with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VicSES) ready to respond,” Mr Hawson said.

“Despite river levels receding, the numerous levees across our region are still holding back a lot of water, which is why they continue to be monitored very closely, and why we can’t let our guard down just yet.

“Plans are in place to not only continue monitoring these levees, but ensure a quick response by the VicSES if there is any degradation.

“This will continue to happen over coming weeks as river levels subside, making sure our community is well protected throughout this period.

“It’s also a timely reminder for residents to continue doing the right thing by adhering to road closure and other signage. Just because a road is no longer under water, doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive on yet, and these signs are in place to protect our community.

“Our teams will continue to undertake safety assessments as these areas become accessible with a view to reopening them as soon as possible.

“This process will ensure roads and public areas are safe for our community to use again, as there may be damage or work required below ground that can’t be seen on the surface.”

The region’s Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator Senior Sergeant Jim Mason thanked the community for generally being very compliant and respectful of road closures and other advice, such as not walking on levee banks.

“I would ask the community to remain vigilant around these directions until all water has receded and is back in channel, and the relevant inspection works have been undertaken to make roads and affected areas safe,” Senior Sergeant Mason said.

Mr Hawson said recovery planning had been underway for several months to ensure impacted residents and businesses were supported as river levels subside.

“High river levels will continue to be with us for several days and weeks yet, but it’s critical everything is in place to support the recovery of impacted residents and businesses ahead of time,” he said.

“We need to ensure that once those impacted by the floods can return to their properties, they are supported as they start the clean-up, assess their homes or businesses and are able to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible.

Mr Hawson said that Council had late last year already established working groups focussing on social, economic and infrastructure recovery, comprising key government and private agencies specialising in their respective areas.

The groups are already well advanced in identifying where support is needed, and importantly, how to deliver this support.

For more information about disposing of flood waste, support available, including mental and financial support, visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/flood

ENDS