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 was held at Swan Hill Town Hall on Monday night.
The meeting was to 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.
Sandbag fill points at Beverford, Lake Boga and Swan Hill are expected to be open from Monday so community members can prepare.
“We thank the community of Swan Hill and surrounding areas for being proactive and keeping informed of the current situation,” Mr Drayton said.
“People are encouraged to check in with family and friends to make sure they are monitoring forecasts and warnings.”
He said locals, while remaining vigilant, didn’t need to panic.
“We go into minor (flood level) at 4.5m, we go to moderate at 4.6m, and we go to major at 4.7m. Now that is the peak, that is what is being anticipated," he told The Guardian last week.
“We are only going to be going up about another 400mm from what it is right now – there is not this great big tidal wave coming down the river.”
Swan Hill CFA commander Dean Simmons said any flooding at Swan Hill would not resemble what had been seen in upstream towns such as Echuca.
“The concern for Swan Hill is when the Murray River is peaking and the Avoca and the Loddon are peaking all at the same time – that’s when Swan Hill is at risk,” Mr Simmons said.
“There is no evidence at this stage, or we are not seeing anything that provides that information that says all three rivers will be peaking at the same time.
“So what happens when the Avoca and Loddon are peaking, we’ve got capacity for the Murray River to take more water and we have the floodway at Pental Island that can take some of that excess water and that diverts water into the Murray and then it relieves the pressure on both of those systems.
“I just want to stress the point that what people are seeing in Echuca doesn’t automatically flow down to Swan Hill. There is a huge amount of water that can be diverted through the creek systems, Wakool system, and that bypasses Swan Hill completely.”
Mr Simmons said there were concerns around the Tyntynder flats, which have historically been an area for caution. But emergency crews were working closely with local landholders and Swan Hill Rural City Council to identify weak points in the bank and improve those areas.
“There is plenty of time to do some works between now and when these excessive flows start coming downstream,” he said.
Mr Drayton said it was important for people to fully understand their local areas.
“The analogy I give you there is if you live by a creek or by a river it can flood, so what do you need to do about that – not dissimilar to if you live in the bush it can burn, so you need to have a fire plan,” he said.
“I’m asking everyone to become flood ready and understanding that – so there is a risk that you might become isolated because some roads will be closed.
“There is no doubt about that with some low-lying water in some areas, to ensure people do have a number of days’ supply of foods and medications.
“Think about your neighbours, too, particularly if you have got someone who is more vulnerable or elderly.”
Control centre in Swan Hill
THE CFA District 18 headquarters in Swan Hill has been stood up as an incident control centre for floods in the region.
The agencies represented include SES, CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Parks Victoria, DELWP, Agriculture Victoria, Mildura and Swan Hill councils, Fire Rescue Victoria, the Australian Defence Force and Life Saving Victoria.
"They are long and busy days with most away from home," a spokesperson said.
"To see all the services come together to protect Australians in the Aussie spirit is awesome.
"Thoughts are with those who have been flooded and are in the flood paths."
Major flooding warning
The Bureau of Meteorology says major flooding is possible at Swan Hill.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, some areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters.
● Land owners and farmers adjacent to rivers and creeks should monitor river levels and the weather.
● People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to move to higher ground.
● Roads may become impassable.
● Farms and low-lying properties may become isolated.