Swan Hill community meets tonight

AS the Murray River topped a level at Echuca not seen since 1993, all eyes are on Swan Hill as the next rural city downstream.

To prepare residents for the major peak early next month, a community meeting will be held at Swan Hill Town Hall from 6.30 tonight.

The meeting will provide information about the Murray River flood, with representatives from VICSES, Swan Hill Rural City Council and partner agencies available to answer questions.

The Murray River at Swan Hill may exceed the minor flood level (4.5 metres) at the end of the week.

Depending on the observed peak at Echuca, the river could reach the major flood level (4.7m) between November 2 and 5. This outcome would be similar to the October 1993 flood.

Waters from the Campaspe and Goulburn rivers, combined with flows down the Murray River, have caused major flooding at Echuca and Moama. River levels at Echuca Wharf have exceeded the October 1993 flood (94.77m Australian Height Datum), with rises to 95m AHD possible.

Minor flooding is occurring along the Murray River at Wakool Junction and Boundary Bend, and is possible at Mildura and Wentworth.

With the Murray River at Echuca expected to peak later than previously forecast, the opening of sandbag fill points in Swan Hill and surrounding areas has been delayed.

Once the timing of the peak at Swan Hill was refined – based on the peak at Echuca – sandbag collection details for community members in risk areas would be announced, VICSES deputy chief officer Alistair Drayton said.