General News
9 January, 2024
Flood assistance flagged after government, council talks today
THE State Government is today flagging flood assistance grants for Loddon residents and farmers affected by the 2023-2024 summer floods. Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes have started a push for the Federal...
THE State Government is today flagging flood assistance grants for Loddon residents and farmersaffected by the 2023-2024 summer floods. Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes have started a push for the Federal Government to treat all floods across the state over the past fortnight as one rain event and access funds to cleanup and recovery. The Premier's office contacted Loddon Shire today, less than 24 hours after Ms Allan said shire would be part of the flood impact assessment. Some parts of the Loddon have been hit with three floods in 12 days while northern areas are preparing to flooding this week. “What we have got agreement from the federal government [for], is to treat the weather event from December 26 and this weather event as the one event, which just means it streamlines the ability for councils, in particular, to be able to access that financial assistance for damage,” Ms Symes said. Loddon CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald this afternoon saidrepresentatives of Local Government Victoria and the Premier’s office had been in contact today. "We discussed the challenges being faced by our townships, farming community and Council infrastructure," he said. "The Victorian Government informed me that they are seeking agreement from the Federal Government to have all three events combined into a single disaster recovery funding arrangements process. We did not discuss the Christmas Day/Boxing Day definition but the conversation related to Christmas Day and the storms since." A Government spokesperson said this afternoon people would be eligible for personal hardship assistance payments "if they have unmet relief needs, if their principal place of residence is in an evacuation warning area and the floods or storms have damaged their homes or their home has flooded above the floor. These payments are for things like food, medication, accommodation and clothing." Nationals leader and Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh two days after Christmas Day called for the State Government a disaster declaration to allow residents and farmers to receive relief and recovery funding. Loddon farmers are estimating damage to more than 300km of fencing while homes have been inundated by water at least once, and some twice, in the three rain bombs to drop on the region in a fortnight. Meanwhile, flood warnings are in place in northern parts of the Loddon Shire.
There is aModerate Flood Warningis being issued forBendigo and Bullock Creeks.
Widespread moderate flooding is developing along the Bendigo Creek downstream Minto.
Significant rainfall occurred over the previous few days in the Bendigo Creek Catchment.
These floodwaters will move downstream over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
On Tuesday to Wednesday, these floodwaters will affect locations including Tandarra, Dingee, Prairie and Mitiamo.
On Wednesday to Thursday, these floodwaters is likely to affect locations including Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Kow Swamp.
There is a Minor Flood Warningis being issuedforLoddon River Loddon Weir to Kerang.
Minor Flooding approaching an extended peak at Appin South
In the 24 hours to 9:00 am Tuesday, rainfall totals up to approximately 10 mm have been recorded across the Loddon River catchment.
A chance of showers is forecast for Tuesday but forecast rainfall totals are not expected to significantly affect river levels.
Loddon River - Loddon Weir to Kerang:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Loddon River at Loddon Weir downstream.
The Loddon River at Appin South is currently at 2.91 metres and steady, above the minor flood level (2.80m).
The Loddon River at Appin South is approaching an extended peak, and may peak near 2.95 metres overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
The river level is likely to remain above the minor flood level (2.80 m) during Wednesday.
The Loddon River at Murray Valley Highway Bridge (Kerang) is currently at 76.35 metres and steady, below the minor flood level and is expected to remain below the minor flood level (77.00m) during Wednesday.