February 2012 Floods - Recovery Information

On Monday 27 February, Mount Alexander Shire experienced heavy rain, including 75mm in a 90-minute period resulting in flash flooding of homes and businesses.

The SES received about 120 calls for assistance from residents within Castlemaine, Chewton and Campbells Creek.

At this point in time we are aware that 110 properties have been flood affected. 66 houses have been identified as being completely flooded (water inundation above floor level). Other residences have suffered partial flooding within their property. 20 local businesses were also flooded. The locations where properties were mainly affected include:

• Campbells Creek
• Chewton
• Maldon
• Taradale
• Castlemaine: Bruce Street, Berkely Street, Johnston Street, Barker Street, Urquart Street, Bull Street.

Regular Flood Information Updates will be prepared until further notice, and are accessible here:

Background - 2010 & 2011
 
The January 2011 flood event caused significant damage to Council and community infrastructure including footpaths, walking trails, and recreation facilities. Significant damage to public infrastructure has been sustained throughout the Shire which led to a dispersed range of issues across the entire municipality including:
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Council has made significant progress to date with flood recovery repairs, with work well underway to address flood related damage from the September 2010, November 2010 and January 2011 flood events. At present Council has contractors working full time on the recovery works, using up to nine separate crews.
 
Over the next few months the road contractors will be working on road re-sheeting in the following areas:

• Baringhup
• Castlemaine
• Chewton
• Maldon
• Melcalfe

As a result of the works being undertaken, road closures may be a common occurrence during these next few months. A full list of the road closures within the area as a result of the infrastructure repairs will be maintained on this page.

2012

The subsequent flood event that occurred in February 2012 has resulted in further damage, particularly at Castlemaine, Chewton , Campbells Creek and Elphinstone. Since the flooding, 260 flood related issues have been identified required immediate attention. Based on an assessment of the damage so far, the current situation reveals:

• Pavement damage to sealed roads creating potholes.
• Drainage pits and culverts have been blocked with debris and material swept from roads.
• Gravel roads have had material partially or completely removed making roads rough and difficult to use.
• Fences and road signage have been partially damaged.
• Large numbers of trees have fallen or been damaged.

Response to requests for minor work such as clearing of drains, removal of debris from watercourses, pits and pipes is already well underway as the Shire has coordinated additional crews to carry out this work.

Many items may take some time to rectify and Council is appreciative of the understanding and cooperation of all residents as works are undertaken.

Did you know...?

To see the latest on road closures and traffic alerts in the region, visit https://alerts.vicroads.vic.gov.au/loddon-mallee.

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Department of Human Services Resources

Individuals living in flood affected communities can be impacted in a number of ways. The Department of Human Services offers a range of assistance for communities that have been affected by the recent heavy rain and floods, including:

• Accommodation support for people affected by the floods such as caravans or moveable units
• Emotional health and wellbeing throughout the recovery period
• Financial assistance in the form of grants and gifts that can assist with the task of cleaning up and rebuilding
• Flood support workers that are available throughout flood affected areas to help people with their recovery
• Household matters such as restoring personal items, legal issues or removing mould

For more information visit the Recovering from Floods website at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/floods or call the DHS Loddon Mallee Region on 1300 165 413.  


Australian Red Cross Resources

The Australian Red Cross has an extensive range of resources available to help you clean up after the floods, including cleaning your home and cleaning clothes and valuables.

Visit www.redcross.org.au or check out:

The following fact sheets may be useful to those affected by floods: