More flood risks loom for ‘saturated’ Victoria

Last month was Victoria’s wettest October on record – and the state is bracing for more rain and wild weather in coming weeks.

Exercise equipment was under water in Warrandyte as the Yarra River breached its banks. Picture: Ian Currie

Last month was Victoria’s wettest October on record, with the past four weeks marking the busiest period for SES volunteers in the state’s history.

Volunteers responded to more than 13,600 requests for help in October but SES chief Tim Wiebusch said the flood emergency in Victoria was “far from over”.

“We still have water storages that are at capacity,” he said.

“We’ve got catchments that are now saturated.

“We are likely to see above average rainfall for at least another six to eight weeks.”

Mr Wiebusch said it would only take another “large rainfall event” to see many Victorian rivers return to major flood levels, with the Murray River at Swan Hill already likely to reach a major flood level late this week.

While the town centre is not at risk, those close to the river are on alert with a sandbagging effort underway.

But more than $150m in support is on its way to flood-affected Victorians to assist them with housing, household bills, legal support and access to local services.

The new package, funded by the state government, is on top of the $877m package jointly announced by the federal and state governments on Tuesday.

Floodwaters block the south-bound lanes of Bulleen Rd at Bulleen. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Under the $150m package, $15m will be allocated to help those displaced by floodwaters secure alternative accommodation and new tenancies.

“It’s vital that those affected by the disaster, where appropriate, remain closely connected to their communities,” Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said.

$20m will go towards helping councils assess the damage to houses and businesses, as well as help them expand their clean-up efforts.

And $22m will help establish up to 16 “regional recovery hubs” equipped with vital services to ensure Victorians can continue receiving in-person help.

“These hubs will also help people with limited internet access and they’ll also be some support for culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Ms Symes said.

10 extra regional councils will now also qualify for the $500,000 support payment.

One-off water bill rebates of $600 will be available to consumers who were inundated by flooding and rebates of $300 for consumers who were not inundated, but impacted.

Temporary visa holders will now also become eligible for emergency hardship payments of $580 per adult and $290 per child, if they are not already eligible under the personal hardship assistance program.

Under the $877m package, the federal government will help fund grants of up to $50,000 for eligible businesses and non-profits, and grants of up to $200,000 for medium and large businesses.

Farmers and rural landholders will also be eligible for grants of up to $75,000, with sport and recreational clubs eligible to receive $5000 to assist recovery efforts.