Council responding to 7-8 January 2024 rainfall

Published on 08 January 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council is committed to supporting residents impacted by storms that inundated parts of the Gannawarra on 7-8 January 2024.

Between 75-125 millimetres of rain fell between Sunday, 7 January and Monday, 8 January, placing additional pressure on stormwater networks and waterways already impacted by more than 150-200 millimetres of rainfall that had passed through the Gannawarra since Christmas Day.

“The rain that impacted the Gannawarra on 7-8 January has affected residents in various ways, whether it was through cutting road access to properties or inundation of properties, homes and businesses,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“As with any emergency situation, including floods, responsible agencies such as VICSES and Victoria Police may approach Council for assistance if required, be it equipment or personnel.”

Council’s Flood Recovery Support Team is aiming to contact all residents who have had homes, infrastructure or business property damaged by the Christmas Day, 2 January and 7-8 January storm and flooding events.  If this is you and you have not yet had a conversation, or if you are aware of someone who is impacted who may not see this message, please phone Council’s Flood Recovery Support Team on (03) 5450 9333.

“The information collected helps Council communicate to government and emergency agencies the impact across Gannawarra, and this determines assistance which may be made available by government to our residents, even if you are fully insured,” Mr Rollinson said.

Residents who need to dispose of flood waste can do so for free at any of Council’s transfer stations before 4pm Friday, 19 January. For details regarding transfer station locations and opening hours, please click on the Transfer Station heading at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/waste. Residents accessing this service will need to provide their name, address and phone number upon request.

Residents can stay up to date with emergency warnings and road closures by relying on these trusted sources. These include:

“Motorists are reminded not to drive through floodwater. Vehicles can lose traction in as little as 15 centimetres of water, whilst the wake from vehicles driving through flash flooding in towns can inundate businesses and houses,” Mr Rollinson said.

Should residents be seeking assistance, sandbags or other resources in relation to flood protection, residents are encouraged to contact VICSES on 132 500 as the lead agency in emergency situations. If you are in immediate danger phone Triple Zero (000).

Victoria’s Better Health Channel provides information on preparing for emergency events and how to return home safely and clean up following a flood event, which can be found online at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/emergencies-floods

Advice relating to properties relying on septic systems which have been inundated can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/publications/septic-tanks-in-flood-affected-areas  

Council will also seek to provide updated weather warnings and information via its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gannawarra).

ABOVE: Council and Kerang Fire Brigade members work to remove water from residential areas of Kerang on Monday, 8 January 2024.