Community to prepare for longer floods as Murray River hits peak in Mildura

As the Murray River hits its peak in Mildura, the local community is being warned not to expect the crisis to be over any time soon.

After months of waiting and delays, the floods at Mildura have finally reached their peak.

While it’s not as high as expected, SES incident controller David Tucek confirmed today the Murray River was as high as it was likely to get.

“Currently the reading it’s at 38.35m (AHD) which is just below the 38.4m that was originally projected and we understand we are now at peak,” he said.

The river will stay at this height for a while although Mr Tucek said it was quite difficult to predict.

“We don’t quite have that much because it’s ongoing, but it’s possible we don’t see levels drop until mid-January,” he said.

The community has taken to documenting the river as it rises. Picture: Facebook

Mr Tucek said while it wasn’t an ideal situation for the community, he was continually encouraged by the community engagement.

“Yeah, look, I have to say this isn’t great for anyone. The difficulty is that it will go a while … but the community is well engaged and supportive and working well with the agencies to get a good outcome.”

Mildura’s racecourse has been almost complete in undated. Picture: Facebook

Local councillor and Nichols Point resident Jason Modica said while the community was exhausted there is still “lots of goodwill”.

“I think for people that have had to build levees and sandbag, (there is) a little exhaustion and some frustration but probably lots of goodwill,” he said.

“(There is) lots of community spirit, lots of people checking in on each other and just supporting one another which is very important.”

Mr Modica said even after the floods had subsided people would still have to deal with the damage done to their properties.

“Everyone is preparing for the moisture to sit there for six to eight weeks, maybe longer,” he said.

With the Nichols Point Cemetery expected to be cut off by floodwaters until after Christmas, the local council is giving people the chance to have flowers placed on graves of loved ones.

To do this, residents must drop off flowers at the Nichols Point Scout Hall on December 22 between 5pm and 7pm.