Campaspe Shire Council is urging the community to prepare for the months ahead with predicted ongoing high river levels and further rain.
Mayor Rob Amos said Council has been advised through the Bendigo Incident Control Centre that Murray River levels will gradually drop across the coming week, however are expected to stay at major flood levels until later next week, then stay at moderate levels for several weeks after that.
Warnings are still in place for many parts of Campaspe Shire. Echuca Village and parts of Echuca still have Emergency Warnings in place, and at the moment are listed as "Not Safe to Return". Torrumbarry and Gunbower are at "Watch and Act" and Rochester's warning has changed to "Stay Informed".
"We are really concerned for the wellbeing of our residents who continue to be flooded, or land locked.
"Residents who haven't sought help are strongly encouraged to do so. If staying in a flooded area, access to supports for day to day needs are limited, such as accessing food and medical supplies, disposing of household waste, accessing mail, impacts to sewerage or water supplies.
"While our staff are not authorised to enter flooded areas, or flood land locked areas, we are operating the Echuca Relief Centre. This is where our team can help those in need.
"Residents can come in and have a chat regarding the support services available to them."
Rochester was severely impacted by the Campaspe River with more than 1,500 properties impacted. Our Rochester Relief Centre is seeing around 400 people each day, seeking a range of assistance, from welfare agencies, insurance advice, and support agencies.
"The safety of our community is our priority," the Mayor added.
"It's a team effort with our community and emergency services. And we know we have a long way to go."
The community can keep up to date with Council information through Council's website, Facebook page, as well as regular flood situation updates which can be collected at customer service centres, or available online.
