Mount Alexander Shire experienced widespread damage to housing, public property, roads, parks, and local businesses as a result of last week’s significant rainfall event and subsequent local flooding.
Members of the Castlemaine SES, local fire brigades, emergency services, and selfless community members worked around the clock in a bid to protect homes from flooding in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead, Harcourt, and surrounding areas.
And in the aftermath many pitched in to assist with the clean-up and help those impacted get back on their feet. On behalf of the community, we thank them for their tireless efforts.
Council opened a Flood Information and Recovery Centre at the Castlemaine Town Hall from Monday to Wednesday to provide information and support to those affected.
These types of natural disasters bring out the very best and the worst in humanity. Fortunately, the majority of local stories have been positive – locals jumping in to help thwart flooding at The Mill complex in Walker Street and assisting with the mop-up at businesses affected; community members lending a hand to fill sandbags to help protect new residences threatened at Harcourt; and our exhausted SES volunteers backing up their efforts by travelling up to the help the community of Echuca.
Then there are the stories of people out rubbernecking and driving through floodwaters unwittingly pushing waves of water into homes at Campbells Creek and those that chose to mock local residents at Harcourt (Opinions, page 14) rather than stopping to assist fellow community members facing their toughest hour.
With more wet weather on the way over the coming days, already swollen rivers and creeks, and sodden ground, local residents and emergency services remain on alert for further flash floods. In the days, weeks and months ahead hopefully we won’t see scenes like we did last Thursday. But if we do. Spare a thought for those affected.
The impact of last week’s flooding to parks, gardens, and trails in the shire has been significant and resulted in the closure of the children’s playground and public toilets at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Campbells Creek, and Leanganook Trail, as well as Camp Reserve.
Camp Reserve will remain closed until an audit can be conducted which has resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of this year’s Castlemaine Show.
A large number of roads in the shire have been impacted by the recent rainfall and Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) staff has been working to clear debris from blocked drains and repair roads as a matter of urgency.
MASC is also working with the Department of Transport (DOT) which has responsibility for main arterial roads including the Midland and Calder Highways, to prioritise the works that are needed.
Emergency flood payments are now available to help meet immediate needs including food, shelter, clothing, and medication. If you have been impacted by flooding you may be eligible for payments of $2,030 per family, including $580 per adult and $290 per child. Residents can apply online at emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au/
The Castlemaine Transfer Station will remain open for all residents with flood-damaged material until December 31 and skip bins have been placed at the Campbells Creek Community Centre car park and the Campbells Creek Bowling Club to further support residents in high-impact areas.
A $73.5 million state government package is also available delivering grants to help farmers and business owners clean up their properties.
A further $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will deliver a one-off $10,000 payment to primary producers directly affected by the floods to help them clean up, re-establish their properties, and get their businesses up and running again. Applications for both grant programs are now open with applicants for the agriculture grants encouraged to visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/ flood-advice-and-support. For small business grants, call the Business Victoria hotline on 132 215.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed on local flood alerts at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond and to report potholes, fallen trees, or road and footpath damage via the ‘customer request’ section on council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au or by calling 5471 1700.
VIDEO: Forest Creek creeps higher as rains continue
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