Glass bin collections begin in City of Whittlesea
The City of Whittlesea’s first glass bin collections began last week, marking the start of council’s new recycling service.
As part of the State Government’s requirement for a standardised four-bin waste and recycling system for all councils, the City of Whittlesea is one of the first metropolitan councils to roll out a separate glass recycling bin for residents, helping to divert even more waste from landfill.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said glass was a valuable resource that could be recycled several times, creating an endless, sustainable loop of glass products.
“Separating glass bottles and jars from other recyclable materials means the quality of the recycling we collect is better, and more can be kept out of landfill,” she said.
“All of the glass collected in the City of Whittlesea as part of this new recycling service will be taken to Visy Recycling where it will be processed and turned into new glass bottles and jars.
“We’re proud to be one of the first Victorian councils to be recycling the glass we collect into new glass bottles and jars for Australian food and beverage suppliers to use. Where small fragments can’t be remade into glass bottles, they will be used in road base.”
Whittlesea resident Lisa Hallam and her family have been using their new purple-lidded bin since it was delivered, popping in glass bottles and jars as they empty them.
“Our kids have been learning about the environment and the issues with too much waste, but by helping to separate the waste and recycling, they can become part of the sustainability loop and make a positive impact on the environment,” she said.
Glass recycling bins will be collected once every four weeks, on the same day of the week as resident’s regular bin collection.
Information has been sent to all households outlining the day of their first collection, however residents can also download a personalised 12-month bin collection calendar from council’s website – simply visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and enter.
For more information visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/glassrecycling.
New management for Epping Animal Welfare Facility
Animal wellbeing will be the priority with a new management structure at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility, EAWF.
The facility, which operates as the animal pound for three councils, will now be managed in-house by the City of Whittlesea, in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin councils.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the decision to manage the operation of the EAWF in-house was to achieve the best possible outcomes for the animals and our community.
“The three councils have worked together to develop an operating model which is designed to reduce the current euthanasia rates, reunite the maximum number of animals with their owners or find them loving new homes,” he said.
The EAWF has been managed by the RSPCA for nearly five years and council will continue to collaborate with the RSPCA to ensure a smooth transition.
Mr Lloyd said the change in management would deliver a high standard of animal care and allow council to develop further partnerships across the animal welfare sector.
“The model has been designed to deliver better outcomes including a reduction in euthanasia rates,” he said.
“Our aim is to reunite owners with lost pets as quickly as possible, so please make sure your pet is registered and your contact details are up-to-date – you can do this at your council’s website.”
Adoption will be undertaken directly from the facility at the start and council has partnered with a range of rescue groups and large animal welfare groups who will also offer adoption opportunities.
The facility will be managed and resourced by experts in animal care and welfare. Veterinary work will be undertaken at EAWF, including but not limited to vaccination, flea and worm treatment, microchipping and any other treatment required while animals are in our care.
The change of management of the EAWF took effect on Sunday, and the facility is proposed to be renamed in early 2023.
The new phone number for the EAWF is 8401 6200.
City of Whittlesea council tackles ageism in the community
The City of Whittlesea has signed the EveryAGE Counts campaign to tackle ageism in the community.
Chief executive officer Craig Lloyd and chair administrator Lydia Wilson signed the pledge at the City of Whittlesea 2022 Seniors Festival Concert, as part of a month of events to prioritise older people.
The EveryAGE Counts campaign is a national advocacy initiative to breakdown ageism and influence the way Australians think about the ageing population.
Ms Wilson said council was honoured to be part of the campaign and to raise awareness for older residents living in the City of Whittlesea.
“With almost 20 per cent of our population over the age of 60, the City of Whittlesea is home to a thriving community of older residents. However, ageism can and does impact our community,” she said.
“We know that for individuals it can prevent or limit participation in community and impact physical health.
“We also know that ageism can reduce the enormous positive social and economic contributions that older people can make.
“The EveryAGE Counts campaign aims to create a society where every person is valued, connected, and respected regardless of age.
“This is undoubtedly something that we want to support and help change the mindsets and attitudes that society may have about older people.
“Signing up to the EveryAGE Counts campaign is also a key positive step towards Council’s broader goal of creating connected communities that are inclusive, healthy and safe for all.”
To commit to the campaign, council will include activities in the community, provide training to staff, and undertake an organisation-wide audit to ensure all programs are age-friendly.
Demolition works on heritage-listed Kilmore building extended due to safety concerns
Demolition of the first floor of a heritage-listed building at 38 Sydney Street, Kilmore had to be extended due to safety concerns with the contractor engaged by the building owner.
Demolition works began at the former All Nations Hotel on Saturday, October 8 and were scheduled to finish on Monday, October 10 but were stopped early last week to address safety concerns.
Works of the first floor resumed over the weekend and have now finished.
Carparks from 38 to 46 Sydney Street remained closed to allow the demolition contractor access to the building and room for construction bins to collect debris.
The footpath directly in front of 38 Sydney Street has now reopened, with traffic management still in place along Sydney Street for other ongoing street works.
The Mill Street pedestrian mall was also closed intermittently during the work.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said it was disappointing the works could not be completed on schedule but safety was council’s most important consideration.
“The safety concerns with the work being completed by the third party contractor have now been addressed and work is resuming,” he said.
“We’re very thankful for the patience shown by traders and residents as we complete this project.”
Kilmore District Health farewells long-serving surgeon
Kilmore District Health farewelled one of its longest-serving surgeons, Associate Professor Peter Danne, who has been a visiting medical officer for the past 20 years.
Mr Danne completed his final endoscopy session on Tuesday last week in his last few hours at the hospital.
“I’ll miss coming to the hospital, miss looking after my patients, many of these patients I looked after for several years,” he said.
When reflecting on his final hours of work, Mr Danne emphasised the importance of well-trained staff to operate the theatre rooms in areas like Kilmore
“You have got that team here, nurses who are trained in endoscopy and surgery, and that is when you can really start confidently providing a good service. We are at that level now,” he said.
Mr Danne has completed major surgical cases at major hospitals such as Epworth and Royal Melbourne, however at Kilmore District, he concentrated on smaller general surgical operating cases and colonoscopy work.
He said over the past decade, Kilmore Hospital’s expansion of operating theatres and services had resulted in a better understanding of administration and with great leadership.
“What we have done is to set up a really good community Colonoscopy Surveillance program in order to identify people with precancerous polyps, to remove them and prevent the cancers, and to pick up those people who have early cancers,” he said.
“This has been a great achievement for the local community in Mitchell Shire and the Macedon Ranges.
“The core services at KDH include colonoscopy service, the obstetric service, the ear, nose and throat, ENT, service, as well as other surgical fields.”
Prior to Kilmore District Health, Mr Danne qualified as a medical practitioner in 1975, completed training in Melbourne, and travelled with his young family to Washington DC to specialise in trauma surgery, as well as the United Kingdom for further general surgery.
The move to Kilmore District Health came after 14 years at Albury-Wodonga when he realised, he enjoyed serving regional communities.
“I have enjoyed being part of the provision of health care in communities like Albury-Wodonga and now the Kilmore region. Local people appreciate the staff, who are hardworking and keen to learn,” Mr Danne said.
However, Mr Danne’s services was not only dedicated to colonoscopy and regional work.
In 1998, he was asked to move to Melbourne to set up a major trauma service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital – one of two major trauma services in the new state trauma care system.
“We looked at the outcomes in people who had either died or who had serious injury yet had complications and found that 40 per cent of this group of people could have possibly had those outcomes prevented with better care,” he said.
Mr Danne started work at Kilmore in 2000 and has been operating since then, along with his main cases being at Epworth Hospital, Richmond.
After a period working in research, surgery and teaching, Mr Danne said he was looking forward to retirement on his Romsey farm, and to spend time with grandchildren.
“I’m just looking forward to all that retirement may bring, with my family, some travel, and spending more time at our Romsey farm,” he said.
Sportive scarecrows to feature at Kilmore Community Garden open day
Kilmore Community Garden will host an open day on October 29, with special appearances from some colourful scarecrows courtesy of Kilmore Mechanics Institute.
A committee behind the community garden met for the first time since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting a tree-planting day in December 2021 ahead of the garden’s opening in March.
The garden has attracted strong support, with six planter beds rented to community members and multiple other beds used for a kitchen garden at its location next to the Kilmore Anglican Church on Union Street.
It will be the garden’s second open day and organisers said the event would feature guest speaker Kaylene Evers as well as a ‘Scaretactics’ scarecrow display and workshop by the Kilmore Mechanics Institute.
Scaretactics organiser Leanne Stute said the display would have a theme of ‘in the garden’ and encourage colour and creativity.
Ms Stute said Scaretactics had organised scarecrow displays in Kilmore for more than a decade.
“The Kilmore Mechanics Institute has done it for about 12 years, and it started when one of the ladies did [a scarecrow of] Dame Edna [Everage],” she said.
“I took over a couple of years later and we got schools and businesses and some residents from the town involved with making scarecrows.
“We usually have a theme, which has been different things in different years. One was a circus, one was Halloween. This year we want people to make scarecrows with the theme [of ‘in the garden’] because it’s going to be held at the community garden.”
Ms Stute encouraged people to make scarecrows that were ‘exciting, interesting and colourful’ ahead of the open day so they could be displayed during the event.
Children will also be able to make their own scarecrows at the open day, with trophies for the best scarecrows.
Ms Stute said people could bring scarecrows to the Anglican church prior to the open day or arrange for her to collect them before Monday, October 24.
“In one year we had probably 30 people get involved, and we want as many people as possible this year,” she said.
“For anyone who lives in Union Street and wants to make them, they can put them in their yard, but anyone else is welcome to make a scarecrow and bring it up to the church themselves or ring me and let me know.
“It’s simple but it’s fun and colourful, and it’s been really popular. You want colourful things in the garden.”
People can call Ms Stute on 0408 166 088 for more information about Scaretactics.
Kilmore Community Garden committee members said a guest talk from Dr Evers on community connection would also be a highlight of the day.
Dr Evers was recently awarded the Governor-General’s National Emergency Medal for her work supporting the Mallacoota community during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20.
A sausage sizzle, Devonshire teas, pickling demonstrations and a small market will also feature at the open day, which begins at 10.30am.
People can join Kilmore Community Garden, with beds available to rent at a cost of $20 a year or $15 concession.
People can search for Kilmore Community Garden on Facebook or email kilmorecommunitygarden@gmail.com for more information.
FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling
UPDATE: Emergency services don’t expect flood levels to exceed this morning’s peak of 8.37m in Seymour, despite more water being released from Lake Eildon.
Major flood levels, 7.0m, are expected to remain steady into the weekend, as water makes its way down the Goulburn River through Seymour.
Many residents were concerned about more flooding in coming days because of the water release from Lake Eildon.
Currently there is 288 properties affected, with 263 flooded above floor level
The State Emergency Services, SES, has issued an updated emergency warning for the Goulburn River, from Seymour to Lake Eildon. There is already major flooding occurring along this section of the Goulburn River, currently at 4.96 metres and steady, and likely to remain about this height today.
Flood levels of 8.37m peaked at about 3am, causing major flooding in Seymour, above the record flood from May 1974 of 7.64 metres.
It is currently at 7.52 metres and falling.
“River levels will remain high as water from the upper Goulburn arrives, but flood levels are not expected to exceed the peak on Friday morning,” SES warned.
“At 8.37m, this flood is regarded as a one per cent flood, which means there is a one per cent chance of a flood this size or larger occurring in any given year.
“This flood has exceeded the levels recorded in the May 1974 flood, which reached a height of 7.64m.
“At this height, 187 homes and businesses were affected with flooding above the height of floor level. There were 279 homes and businesses that become isolated by flooding due to roads and property flooding.
“At the major flood level, 7.0m, Kings Park flooded and Goulburn Valley Highway closed between Seymour Toyota and Redbank Road.
“In 1993, when the river reached a height of 6.65m, at least five houses in Butler and Emily Streets were flooded above the height of floor level.
“Properties in Edward, Emily, Hanna, Tierney, Alexander, High, Tallarook and Wallace streets also become isolated and surrounding areas were flooded.”
Major flooding is expected at Murchison from tonight and at Shepparton late Saturday morning.
Government assistance
The State Government is making emergency relief payments available now to flood victims for immediate household and essential needs.
Payments of up to $2030 per eligible family, including $580 per adult and $290 per child, are available through a one-off payment to help buy food, shelter, clothing and medication.
People can apply at emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has visited Seymour, Rochester and Murchison in the past 24 hours and witnessed firsthand how communities are supporting each other.
Mr Birrell said the flood emergency across the region has demonstrated the true spirit of regional communities.
“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.
“More than 300 properties have been impacted in Seymour and flood waters are yet to peak at Murchison and Shepparton where the 1974 major flood level could be exceeded. If that occurs an estimated 4,000 properties in Shepparton will be impacted, some above floor level.
“The most important things as this emergency unfolds are to stay safe, help those around you where you can, and continue to monitor emergency information through www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Mr Birrell said he had spoken with Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt, Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Nationals deputy leader Perin Davey, who had indicated their full support and preparedness to respond appropriately once the full extent of the damage and the recovery task was known.
Seymour Health update
Seymour Health remains in constant contact with the Hume health emergency management lead to act on the latest information regarding the flood situation.
Evacuation plans are in place should action be required.
A Seymour Health spokesperson said the health service was contacted by the SES last night with instructions to evacuate following the evacuation notification.
“However, following further discussions with the Shepparton Emergency Management Incident Control Centre, information provided informed the decision to remain in place, as Seymour Health was not in imminent danger of being flooded,” they said.
Seymour Health remains on close monitoring and alert status with code yellow internal emergency active.
The spokesperson said its flood management plan had been activated, but there was currently no inundation of water to any buildings, except for minor roof leaks.
The hospital rear car park remains closed, the helipad remains surrounded by water on three sides, but is about 1.5m above the water line.
Seymour Health remains on ambulance bypass, due to staffing challenges.
“Staff going above and beyond to ensure safe quality care can continue to be delivered, however staffing challenges do exist with many staff unable to get to work due to road closures,” the spokesperson said.
Theatre, dental, social support group, community services and ambulatory care services have all suspended, and the district nursing service is working with skeleton staff to attend to vulnerable clients in the Seymour area only.
“Plans are in place to ensure dialysis services continue to be delivered,” they said.
Seymour Health had purchased bottled drinking water to prepare if Seymour water supplies become contaminated, however discussions with GVWater suggest it is ‘very unlikely to happen’.
The health service has sufficient supplies, food, equipment for an extended period of time, and all Seymour Health vehicles have been moved to higher ground.
“Despite being an exceptionally busy time, the Seymour Health team has pulled together as always and we feel we are well positioned to deal with the situation,” the spokesperson said.
EARLIER:
Mitchell and Macedon Ranges Shire residents are counting the cost of severe flooding that swept the region on Thursday, while some prepare for more rain today.
Seymour saw its worst flooding in decades, with the Goulburn River peaking at 8.26 metres overnight according to VICSES Seymour unit controller Christine Welsh.
More than 300 properties have been flooded in Seymour.
Major streets impacted in Seymour include Emily Street, Tallarook Street, Wallis Street, High Street and a section of Station Street.
Many businesses have been inundated, as well as homes, and Kings Park.
Ms Welsh said the unit had responded to more than 200 incidents since rain set in on Wednesday afternoon, distributing about 120 tonnes of sandbags to Seymour resident and businesses.
“Since Wednesday afternoon we’ve responded to 208 incidents, including a range of sandbagging requests, flooding, potential to flood, people trapped in flood water road rescues – pretty much everything,” she said.
“On Wednesday we opened a sandbag collection point in Seymour and just one Wednesday afternoon gave out more than 800 sandbags. After that we lost count, but we know that 120 tonnes of sandbags were given out over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.
“The floodwaters peaked at 8.26 metres, which is well above what it has been in a very long time. Probably 1974 was the last time we saw something like this.”
Ms Welsh said as of Friday morning, only one road in and out of Seymour remained viable. She warned people to drive only if necessary and never to drive through floodwaters.
“Being that there is so much floodwater in and around Seymour at the moment, we’ve really only got one way in and out, which is Redbank Road. Emily Street is cut off completely, and Wallis Street, High Street and most other streets are inundated completely and not passable,” she said.
“I would encourage people to only drive if you need to and do not drive through floodwater – it’s not safe. It puts you at risk, and it puts our lives at risk at well having to come and save you.”
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Broadford-Wandong Road %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.8%201.8)%20scale(3.64453)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(20.19634%20-63.55254%20101.5144%2032.26023%20126.4%2011.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23272822%22%20d%3D%22M-16%20257L2%2024l182%20247z%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(2.38537%20-37.11044%2078.85297%205.06847%20145.4%2014.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23404043%22%20cx%3D%22151%22%20cy%3D%22221%22%20rx%3D%22154%22%20ry%3D%2267%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 11")
Darraweit Guim Road %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(11.56406%20139.27913%20-654.86275%2054.37193%20266.4%2094.7)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23111%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(-83.8%20715%20216.6)%20scale(252.60754%20539.67961)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%231c1c1c%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(14.84479%2071.68278%20-232.77028%2048.2044%20392.2%20358.9)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(-83.5%20288.2%20-320.9)%20scale(123.66926%20219.88999)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 12")
Doggetts Bridge, Lancefield %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23d0deff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-95.05511%20-140.63936%20574.86048%20-388.5358%20170.8%2093.1)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%2357341f%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-305.07072%20-37.99857%2056.5654%20-454.13411%20695.7%20468.8)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23dc1308%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(38.80866%20-149.97275%20113.21035%2029.2956%20691%20582.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23b9cfff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(156.3009%20-304.90373%20102.89165%2052.7447%20119.8%201.7)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 13")
Goulburn Park, Seymour %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.4%201.4)%20scale(2.73438)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238d8d91%22%20cx%3D%2272%22%20cy%3D%2266%22%20rx%3D%2259%22%20ry%3D%2259%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23617600%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-7.8738%2026.69948%20-32.07854%20-9.46012%20159.1%209.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23525256%22%20cx%3D%22179%22%20cy%3D%22129%22%20rx%3D%2264%22%20ry%3D%2264%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23505053%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-39.16833%2032.43466%20-29.13786%20-35.18709%20232.8%2028.5)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 14")
Sunday Creek, Broadford. Picture: Grant Miller %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.4%201.4)%20scale(2.73438)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%234a5c00%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-74.02462%20.12402%20-.04245%20-25.33726%20100.5%20136)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238b8a91%22%20cx%3D%22188%22%20cy%3D%2227%22%20rx%3D%2293%22%20ry%3D%2293%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%234e4e50%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(49.42782%20-20.6761%207.14765%2017.087%2029%20115.2)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%234c4b52%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(5.93869%2017.8108%20-112.67253%2037.5686%20224.5%20134.2)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 15")
Sunday Creek, Broadford. Picture: Grant Miller %22%20transform%3D%22translate(2%202)%20scale(3.82813)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(175.25027%20-20.27715%203.64018%2031.46119%2093.8%209.2)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23434c19%22%20cx%3D%2245%22%20cy%3D%22197%22%20rx%3D%22144%22%20ry%3D%2284%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238c899f%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(168.8%2026.6%2030.3)%20scale(133.35411%2023.98573)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fffeff%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(1.96051%2019.00164%20-114.49813%2011.81347%2051.4%200)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 16")
Sunday Creek, Broadford. Picture: Grant Miller %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%2353c2ff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(3.24181%20-57.98515%20619.40648%2034.62955%20295.3%202)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%235a6900%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20d%3D%22M9.6%20702.5l-61.3-321.6%20248.8-53.6z%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%234f4b4a%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(183.20916%20-96.59523%20177.93716%20337.48785%20652%20528)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238f8b89%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(188.0653%20-76.44483%20218.56953%20537.71257%20393.8%20918.5)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 17")
Sunday Creek, Broadford. Picture: Grant Miller %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23f0faff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(418.59083%20-39.4967%2012.51026%20132.58525%20325.9%201.4)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23090604%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(166.6%20179.2%20198)%20scale(697.26563%20122.20674)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23479af4%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(-86.6%20359.3%20-343.1)%20scale(60.201%20179.03952)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(119.91539%200%200%2058.79211%20263.6%201.4)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 18")
Sunday Creek, Broadford. Picture: Grant Miller 
Kilmore Creek %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23bebdc1%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(33.81892%20-181.06357%20523.1407%2097.71185%20635.9%20508.8)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%232e2f24%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(683.7737%20-136.50231%2022.12216%20110.81534%20430.1%20126.6)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%235e7100%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(54.14717%2047.48944%20-129.91995%20148.13394%201.4%20348.7)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23676768%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-145.13142%20-45.75976%2027.71847%20-87.91175%20409.2%20607)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 20")
Kilmore Creek Kilmore %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.5%201.5)%20scale(3.07813)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23c5c5c5%22%20cx%3D%22101%22%20cy%3D%22125%22%20rx%3D%22158%22%20ry%3D%2247%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23181818%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(225.64761%2012.61566%20-2.22693%2039.83164%20103.8%2019.6)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23040404%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(65.23917%20-12.34936%206.0615%2032.02167%20200.8%20239)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%238c8c8c%22%20d%3D%22M242%20170L-5%20143l-10%20108z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 22")
Kings Park, Seymour %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.4%201.4)%20scale(2.73438)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23c3d178%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-74.03351%20-9.84534%205.83028%20-43.84166%20118.6%20118)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%233b3652%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-105.90175%20-8.52065%203.30551%20-41.08366%20247.3%2033.5)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23494461%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(68.96472%20-4.58063%202.07295%2031.20975%2031%2029.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238a85a4%22%20cx%3D%22115%22%20cy%3D%2269%22%20rx%3D%2292%22%20ry%3D%2220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 23")
Seymour soundshell %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(6.6963%20-95.49937%20653.51401%2045.82359%20436.2%2064.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23070703%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-216.04699%20-313.8743%20113.81863%20-78.34401%2060%20425.6)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23414819%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(165.5%20238%20283.4)%20scale(610.23142%2077.7849)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23f4f4f5%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(464.67887%2035.06728%20-4.6467%2061.57373%20393%2027)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 24")
Seymour. Picture: Sean Botting %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fbfafe%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(373.79128%2024.1679%20-7.01773%20108.53928%20214.3%2014.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23292928%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20d%3D%22M742.4%2037L425.2%20231l287.1%20167z%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23798d0e%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-43.6538%20116.13904%20-78.2696%20-29.4196%20658.5%20472)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23757578%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(2.31947%20-130.69286%20272.00013%204.82732%20202.8%20218)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 25")
Seymour. Picture: Sean Botting %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23141414%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(266.8292%20-44.4337%2013.03626%2078.28418%20625%20493.5)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23f7f7f7%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20d%3D%22M11-111l696.3%2036.4-10.1%20193.9L.9%2082.8z%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%236e6e6e%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-204.11354%2062.32445%20-33.15615%20-108.58692%20273.8%20176.6)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%236c6c6c%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(167.66757%2044.6129%20-20.96161%2078.77953%20615.8%20248.3)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 26")
Seymour. Picture: Sean Botting %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(14.56074%20163.14986%20-595.2361%2053.1234%20440.4%201.3)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%232d2d2d%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-695.81226%2044.99616%20-10.79847%20-166.98558%20447.2%20383)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fefefe%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-.82173%20-78.46684%20384.35176%20-4.02507%20363.9%2038.5)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%232c2c2c%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-129.67783%2015.22144%20-7.55365%20-64.3527%20493%20321)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 27")
Seymour. Picture: Sean Botting. %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.4%201.4)%20scale(2.73438)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23e6e6e6%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(5.72432%20-39.72402%2091.2372%2013.14748%20185%20143)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%236e6e6e%22%20cx%3D%22148%22%20cy%3D%2233%22%20rx%3D%22255%22%20ry%3D%2242%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23b1b1b1%22%20cx%3D%22106%22%20cy%3D%22107%22%20rx%3D%22188%22%20ry%3D%2232%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23c8c8c8%22%20cx%3D%22164%22%20cy%3D%22138%22%20rx%3D%2271%22%20ry%3D%2233%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 28")
Goulburn River, Seymour %22%20transform%3D%22translate(1.4%201.4)%20scale(2.73438)%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-1.36175%2028.87577%20-149.41392%20-7.04618%20140.1%20.1)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%238a8a8a%22%20cx%3D%2255%22%20cy%3D%2287%22%20rx%3D%22255%22%20ry%3D%2245%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23676767%22%20cx%3D%224%22%20cy%3D%2267%22%20rx%3D%2249%22%20ry%3D%2223%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%236b6b6b%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(21.28392%201.2194%20-.95344%2016.6416%20116%2068)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 29")
Emily Street, Seymour %27%20fill-opacity%3D%27.5%27%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%233e3f3d%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-30.40256%20304.59434%20-116.63775%20-11.642%20320%20156.7)%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23d1d1d1%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22matrix(-119.20803%20-59.96467%2076.1666%20-151.417%20624.1%2037.9)%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23b3b3b3%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20d%3D%22M527.2%20280.8L736%20416.3l-248.7%20383-208.7-135.5z%22%2F%3E%3Cellipse%20fill%3D%22%23b5b5b5%22%20fill-opacity%3D%22.5%22%20rx%3D%221%22%20ry%3D%221%22%20transform%3D%22rotate(144.3%20-53.6%20311.3)%20scale(140.81742%20697.26561)%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "FLOODS: Seymour experiences worst flooding on record, but levels are falling 30")
Northern Highway, Wallan 
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Windham Street, Wallan
Ms Welsh said the SES worked alongside Victoria Police search and rescue squad members to ferry people trapped by floodwaters to safety.
State authorities issued an evacuation notice for Seymour on Thursday evening, but Ms Welsh said some people elected to stay at their properties before becoming trapped.
“There are no serious injuries. It was mainly people who were trapped in their houses. Most of them had been doorknocked and told that water was coming, but a lot had chosen to stay,” she said.
“When the water rose, no one expected it to rise as high as they did, and they ended up needing assistance to get out.
“We had Victoria Police up to assist with evacuations, as well as Shepparton search and rescue who brought their boat and we had members out with them taking people in the boat to dry land.”
Ms Welsh praised the interagency cooperation between the SES, Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning workers throughout the crisis.
“Yesterday we had a fabulous team of Seymour CFA and Hilldene CFA mixed in with a good number of DELWP guys who showed up, and they were kept flat out [shovelling sandbags],” she said.
“We had a drive-through system where residents could come and pick up sandbags. As fast as the guys were filling them, they were being loaded into cars.
“The CFA guys were also taking most of the jobs with trees down so that we could focus on the flooding side of things.
“The ability of all agencies to work together was fabulous and it really couldn’t have gone better. We wouldn’t have got through the night without their help, so it was really appreciated.”
Mitchell Shire Council has set up a relief centre at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Pollard Street, with toilets, showers, emergency accommodation and basic food available for those who require it.
Seymour Health has advised that it has not had to evacuate patients or residents of Barrabill House.
“We are taking advice from authorities and continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of patients, residents and staff.
The health service has asked that people not visit the hospital at this time.
The following services will be closed today: ambulatory care centre; pre-admission clinic; operating theatre; COVID-10 testing clinic; social support group; dental services; Austin Pathology; I-Med Radiology.
Since 9am on Wednesday Seymour has recorded more than 140mm of rain according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Also inundated were parts of towns such as Broadford, Lancefield, Romsey and Kilmore, with the bureau’s Kilmore Gap observation station recording 94mm for the region in the same period.
On Thursday many Review readers shared photos and accounts of flooding in their towns, with events across the region cancelled.
Many schools also shut their doors or encouraged parents to pick up their children early.
Schools closed across the region today include primary and secondary schools and kindergartens in Seymour, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal and Wallan.
Watch and acts notices remain in place for the Goulburn River north of Seymour and for Sunday Creek, which flows through Tallarook and Broadford.
An emergency warning is still in place for Seymour and the Goulburn River from Seymour to Eildon.
Updated evacuation order issued for parts of Seymour, and properties along Goulburn River
As many people go to sleep tonight, updated emergency warnings to evacuate immediately have been issued for the northern part of Seymour and for properties along the Goulburn River from Seymour to Lake Eildon.
Emergency services are forecasting the Goulburn River will peak at about 8.2 metres at Seymour, sometime in the early hours of the morning, which is likely to exceed 1974 flood levels.
A separate emergency warning for flooding of the Goulburn River, from Lake Eildon to Seymour, has also been issued.
Rapid and significant river level rises are occurring along the Goulburn River and its tributaries in response to widespread heavy rainfall during the past two days.
Major flooding is occurring at Seymour, with river levels still rising and currently around the record flood level of 7.64m, which occurred in May, 1974.
Major flooding is occurring along the Yea River, Hughes Creek and Sunday Creek, with river levels still rising. Further rises are likely with forecast rainfall tonight and tomorrow.
The State Emergency Service advises that impacts in the area will include flooding above floor level of a single-story home in many locations.
The flood is expected to have levels similar to the May 1974 flood, which reached a height of 7.64m.
At this height, 187 homes and businesses were affected with flooding above the height of floor level. There were 279 homes and businesses that become isolated by flooding due to roads and property flooding.
At the major flood level, 7.0m, Kings Park flooded and the Goulburn Valley Highway closed between Seymour Toyota and Redbank Road.
Widespread disruption to traffic is likely to occur.
In 1993, when the river reached a height of 6.65m, at least five houses in Butler and Emily Streets were flooded above the height of floor level. Properties in Edward, Emily, Hanna, Tierney, Alexander, High, Tallarook and Wallace streets also become isolated and surrounding areas were flooded.
Earlier today, SES personnel said they expected 187 properties in Seymour to flood and another 200 to be impacted.
At 11.09pm yesterday, incident controller Jeff Roe issued an emergency warning to evacuate immediately from the north-western part of Seymour.
“This Emergency Warning is being issued for Seymour. If you live, work or are holidaying in this area, you should evacuate immediately.
Floodwaters are rapidly rising. Flood levels are above major and rising.
If you are located in the area bounded by the Goulburn River to Redbank Rd; along the Goulburn Valley Hwy to Whiteheads Creek up to the railway line and along the bridge crossing the river to the south, it is recommended you evacuate immediately.
If you are located in low-lying areas around the Goulburn Valley Hwy/Redbank Rd area, it is recommended you Evacuate Immediately.
What you should do:
Travel to a safe location. Options include:
The relief centre that has been opened at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Chittick Park.
Family or friends’ homes located in a safe location, away from flooding.
The safest evacuation route is by Anzac Ave, Seymour.
When you leave, remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
Floodwater is dangerous – never enter floodwater.
If you are travelling by car:
Do not drive through floodwater.
Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low lying areas and floodwater.
If you stay:
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
Stay inside and be aware of changing conditions.
If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher point such as a kitchen bench or second story.
Follow your emergency plan, if you have one.
Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings. Call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.
For emergency assistance from the SES, call 132 500.
Impacts in your area:
Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur.
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.
The next update is expected by 1.10am on Friday or as the situation changes.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
VicEmergency Hotline – freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfloods)
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/22875/moreinfo
Incident controller Rob Van Dorsser issued an evacuation message earlier in the night at 7.18pm.
Heavy rain and destructive winds
Heavy rainfall is impacting large parts of Victoria with damaging to destructive winds gusts over elevated terrain.
A deep low-pressure system south of the Great Australian Bight extends a strong cold front over central Victoria. The cold front has moved through Melbourne and continues to shift slowly eastward.
This system is combing with a deep tropical airmass to cause widespread areas of heavy rainfall across central and north-eastern parts of the state, as well as damaging to destructive wind gusts over elevated terrain.
Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast to continue.
Rainfall rates are expected to ease from the west tonight, clearing during Friday morning.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 50 mm are likely, with isolated heavier falls up to 65 mm.
24-hour rainfall totals are expected to reach 50 to 80 mm, with isolated totals up to 120mm over higher terrain.
Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Winds are expected to ease from the west later this evening, then clearing during Friday morning.
Flood Warnings and a Flood Watch are current for catchments across Victoria.
Locations that may be affected include Seymour, Swan Hill, Echuca, Shepparton, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Seymour has already had 118mm of rain since 9am today – one of the highest totals in the state.
Victoria State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware – heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines – always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11pm Thursday.
Mitchell Shire Council
Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre has been set up as an Emergency Relief Centre.
Toilets, showers, emergency accommodation and basic food is available for those who require it and there is also have power to charge devices and access free wifi.
Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre is at Chittick Park, Pollard Street, Seymour.
The council’s customer service and library centres in Seymour and Kilmore will be closed tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday. The Broadford and Wallan sites will be open as per normal hours.
Council roads closed
Broadford:
Burges Lane
Dry Creek Road
High Street (service lane near Broadford Island)
Jeffreys Lane
Clonbinane and Waterford Park:
Broadford-Wandong Road
Ryans Road Ford
Glenaroua:
Chapmans Road
Camerons Creek Road
Kilmore:
Kilmore East Road
Mikada Boulevard
Mill Road
Moranding:
Kilmore-Glenaroua Road (near Three Chain Road)
Nulla Vale:
Malones Road
Smiths Lane
Pyalong:
Sandy Creek Road
Puckapunyal:
Popples Lane East
Seymour:
Delatite Road
Kobyboyn Road
Telegraph Road
Wallis Street (at junction of roundabout on High Street)
Wimble Street
Sugarloaf Creek:
Ashes Bridge Road
Sugarloaf Creek Road (Bidstrup Bridge, north of Dockerys Road)
Sunday Creek:
Sunday Creek Road
Tallarook:
Dockerys Road ford
Henley Street
Schoolhouse Lane
Tallarook-Pyalong Road
Tooborac:
Middle Springs Road
Trawool:
Greenslopes Road
Wallan:
Windham Street
Willowmavin
Allens Road/McNabs Road
Floods: Emergency warning issued for Seymour, Goulburn River, major flood warning for Sunday Creek
LATEST:
Updated emergency warnings to evacuate immediately due to flooding have been issued to the northern part of Seymour, and properties along the Goulburn River, from Seymour to Lake Eildon.
A major flood warning was also issued for Deep Creek, with an updated Watch and Act message.
The Maribyrnong River catchment has recorded rainfall averaging about 56mm since 9am Wednesday, and rain totals of 60-100 mm forecast today have resulted in moderate to major flooding of Deep Creek.
The level of the Deep Creek at Darraweit Guim is currently at 6.15 metres, exceeding the moderate flood level of 6.10 metres. It is expected to peak around the major flood level of 6.50m overnight.
Moderate to major flooding in the Deep Creek and Maribyrnong River catchment is expected to cause substantial inundation in the rural and/or urban areas, disruption to traffic, and may be isolation of some properties.
Events cancelled
The weather has affected several events in the region, scheduled for the weekend.
Lancefield Show, originally set for Sunday, has been cancelled and the Tastes of the Goulburn food and wine showcase in Seymour, slated for Saturday, has been postponed.
The Gisborne District Cricket Association has cancelled all junior and senior matches fixtured this weekend.
UPDATE: Emergency services have tonight issued a Watch and Act for a major flood warning for Sunday Creek.
Rapid and significant river level rises are occurring along the Goulburn River and its tributaries in response to widespread heavy rainfall in the past two days.
Major flooding is occurring at Seymour, with river levels still rising and currently around the record flood level of 7.64, which occurred in May 1974.
Major flooding is occurring along the Yea River, Hughes Creek and Sunday Creek, with river levels still rising. Further rises are likely with more rainfall expected.
Major flooding is occurring along the Sunday Creek at Tallarook.
Authorities are advising people to move to higher ground, and act now – immediately take actions to protect life and property.
Emergency warnings for Seymour and Goulburn River
Emergency warnings have been issued for residents in Seymour, and along the Goulburn River, from Seymour to Lake Eildon.
There is a major flood warning in place and people are advised to act now, protect themselves and move to higher ground.
Read more about Seymour’s evacuation order.
V/Line trains and buses On Seymour line cancelled
All current V/Line services will terminate immediately on the Seymour, Shepparton, Albury, Echuca and Swan Hill lines due to flooding.
This includes all train, scheduled and replacement coach services.
The Department of Transport, together with V/Line, is working with passengers to provide emergency accommodation if necessary.
There will be no public transport services operating on the above mentioned lines tonight and tomorrow morning, Friday, and a decision will be made on when services can resume during Friday morning.
Severe weather warning
An updated severe weather warning has been issued for today, Thursday, for heavy rainfall and destructive winds.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Authorities advise for people to secure any loose items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines around your home or business, and park your car undercover and away from trees, and never enter floodwater.
Kilmore SES plea for help
Kilmore State Emergency Service unit is appealing for public assistance for people to help fill sandbags.
Kilmore SES has been called to more than 100 incidents today.
Controller John Koutras said the unit had sent out about 1500 sandbags so far.
“If anyone needs sandbags they can come to our unit and collect them,” he said.
“If anyone wants to come volunteer and help shovel sandbags, they would be most welcome.”
People are encouraged to drop into Kilmore SES at 24 Green Street, Kilmore, to assist.
Mr Koutras said flooding was a widespread issue in Kilmore, and surrounding towns.
“There’s a lot of water out there on the roads so we want people to be safe,” he said.
“Most of the creeks are flooded and have burst their banks.”
If anyone needs emergency assistance they should call 132 500.
“We’re trying to get to everyone as quickly as we can,” Mr Koutras said.
Power outages
There is widespread power outages in the Macedon Ranges and north-west of the Mitchell Shire.
Thousands of residents and businesses in the towns of Pyalong, Lancefield, Romsey, Bolinda, Monegeeta, Gisborne and Macedon have no power.
Powercore estimates power will be restored after 2.30pm.
The SES has received more than 1000 calls for help across Victoria.
Major roads closed
Melbourne-bound lanes of the Hume Freeway between Benalla and Avenel are now closed due to flooding.
The Northern Highway is closed at Bylands, between Wallan and Kilmore, and the Kilmore-Lancefield Road is also closed.
Parts of the Hume Freeway are restricted to one lane due to flooding or road damage.
Other roads listed as closed: Broadford-Flowerdale Road; Whittlesea-Yea Road; Goulburn Valley Highway, between Koriella and Yea; King Parrot Road between Strath Creek and Kerrisdale.
Schools close
Some schools across the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges shires have shut their doors due to flooding concerns.
Among the schools to close today are Assumption College Kilmore, St Patrick’s Primary School Kilmore; Seymour College; St Mary’s College Seymour; Broadford Secondary College; Victoria Street Kindergarten, Seymour; Romsey Kindergarten; Lancefield Kindergarten; Riddells Creek Kindergarten; and Flowerdale Kindergarten.
Assumption College, St Patrick’s Primary School, Broadford Secondary College, Seymour College, and St Mary’s Seymour have all advised they will be closed tomorrow, Friday.
Many schools are advising parents to collect their children but will remain open for parents who are unable to attend the school early.
Seymour Health has advised it has closed the following services: operating theatre; ambulatory care services; dental; social support group; and Austin Pathology. Limited district nursing and palliative care services will continue depending on staff availability and safety.
Mitchell Shire Council said it would close its Kilmore Customer and Library Service at 5pm today instead of the usual 6pm, and its Wallan Youth Centre will be closed today.
Kilmore Aquatics Centre, Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre and Seymour Visitor Information Centre also closed their doors today.
Public transport
Coaches are now replacing trains on sections of the Shepparton, Albury and Echuca lines, due to extreme weather and flooding affecting parts of the rail network.
On the Shepparton and Albury lines, coaches are operating between Seymour, Shepparton and Albury.
Trains continue to run between Southern Cross and Seymour stations.
Passengers should allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journey when travelling by coach.
EARLIER:
EMERGENCY services have issued a Watch and Act message for a moderate flooding warning along the Goulburn River from Seymour to Lake Eildon.
A Watch and Act message was also issued for Deep Creek in the Macedon Ranges.
The Deep Creek/Maribyrnong River catchment has recorded rainfall averaging about 34 mm since 9am yesterday, and rainfall totals of 15-30 mm are forecast for the catchment today.
Water levels of the Jacksons Creek, Deep Creek and the Maribyrnong River at various locations are rising in response to the rain.
The level of the Deep Creek at Darraweit Guim is currently at the minor flood level and rising. If the rain occurs as forecast, it is expected to peak around the major flood level about midday today.
Major flooding in the Deep Creek is expected to cause extensive inundation in the rural and/or urban areas, disruption to traffic, and may be isolation of some properties.
Goulburn River flooding
Moderate flooding is possible along the Goulburn River and its tributaries today.
There are several flooding incidents across the region, with several calls from assistance in Kilmore and Seymour this morning.
Rainfall is forecast to increase today and tomorrow as a cold front moves slowly eastwards.
Since 9am yesterday, rain totalling 20-50mm has been observed in the Goulburn River catchment.
Rain totals of 50-100 mm are forecast for today and tomorrow.
Bureau of Meteorology weather stations have recorded the following overnight until 9am: Kilmore 41.2mm; Puckapunyal – Lyon Hill 85mm; Puckapunyal West 64.8; Mangalore 75.8mm; Melbourne Airport 11.4mm.
The Goulburn River at Seymour is currently at 3.58 metres and rising, below the minor flood level.
It is likely to exceed the minor flood level, 3.80m, early this morning, and reach the moderate flood level, 5.20m, this evening.
A Flood Watch is being issued for the Goulburn River downstream of Seymour.
Advice messages have been issued for Sunday Creek, with minor flooding occurring and moderate flooding expected to develop later today.
Roads closed
Mitchell Shire Council has advised the following roads are closed:
Kobyboyn Road, Seymour
-Telegraph Road, Seymour
– Wimble Street, Seymour
– Delatite Road, Seymour
– Wallis Street, Seymour (At junction of roundabout on High Street)
– Schoolhouse Lane, Tallarook
– Broadford Island, Broadford
– Jeffreys Lane, Broadford
– Dry Creek Road, Broadford
– Ashes Bridge Road, Sugarloaf Creek
-Sugarloaf Creek Road, Sugarlof Creek (Bidstrup Bridge to North of Dockerys Road)
– Mill Road, Kilmore
– Mikada Boulevard, Kilmore
– Kilmore East Road, Kilmore
– Ryans Road Ford, Waterford Park/Clonbinane
– Broadford-Wandong Road, Clobinane
-Allens Road/McNabs Road, Willowmavin
-Windham Street, Wallan (In front of Police Station)
– Smiths Lane, Nulla Vale
– Malones Road, Nulla Vale
– Popples Lane, Puckapunyal
– Tallarook-Pyalong Road, Glenaroua
-Chapmans Road, Glenaroua
– Sandy Creek Road, Pyalong
The City of Whittlesea has advised Masons Road and Summerhill Road in Wollert is closed due to flooding.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has advised the following venues are closed: Hanging Rock Reserve and Hanging Rock Cafe; all council-managed kindergartens; Woodend Service Centre; and Woodend, Kyneton and Romsey libraries.
As of 9.45am, council is updating a list of roads closed, but currently the following roads are closed: Mount Macedon Road, Macedon (Turritable Road); Baynton Road, Lancefield; Croziers Road, Newham; Joyces Road, Monegeetta; Three Chain Road, Carlsruhe.
The Department of Transport has issued a warning to drivers today, with many roads closed due to flooding or fallen trees.
Driving conditions are extremely hazardous. Non-essential travel should be deferred.
Poor conditions make driving on major roads like the Hume Freeway, Northern Highway, Midland Highway and Calder Highway treacherous, particularly in northern areas around Seymour, Bendigo and Echuca.
Water over the road has also been reported on the Melba Highway, Yea, the Hume Freeway, Beveridge, the Calder Highway, Bendigo and the Maroondah Highway, Buxton.
Several local roads are impassable, while others are cause for concern as flood waters move through.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to defer travel until conditions improve. Those conducting essential travel along detour routes are urged not follow GPS, rather they should follow the detour signs in place.
Authorities say to never drive, walk or ride through flood water. The water could be deeper than expected and the road surface may be damaged underneath.
Live updates and real-time traffic information is available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
Hazards on roads can be reported to the Transport Operations Centre on 13 11 70.
Flood alerts and warnings can be found on the VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au/respond.