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Wellington Shire Flood Situation 3.00pm Friday 29 June 2007With the exception of Loch Sport, flood levels are dropping across the Shire.
All towns are now accessible.Flood levels in Sale did not reach their expected level.
By Wellington Shire Council - 2nd July 2007 - Back to News The Princes Highway is open. The South Gippsland Highway is closed between Sale and Longford. The Seaspray Road is also closed. There are numerous closures on minor roads but these are quickly reopening as the water recedes.
Newry is also reopened. A team from DHS and Centrelink are in the town this afternoon providing assistance to residents and landholders. Six portaloos have been delivered to the town. Skips are being provided for household debris. Septic tanks are being pumped.
Tinamba remains flooded, but is likely to require similar services to Newry once water recedes.
A king tide is creating additional flooding risks for Loch Sport and the eastern end of the Lakes system. Sandbagging is taking place around low lying houses.
The beach channel at Seaspray is open and draining Merriman’s Creek, reducing the threat to the town.
Licola is effectively cut off by road and bridge damage. (See notes below).
Dargo has lost power and a generator has been requested. Options are being considered.
The Relief Centres will close at 5.00pm today, but will be reopened if required over the weekend.
The MECC has worked smoothly and is continuing to operate.
Glenmaggie Weir
SRW advise that outflows peaked at 147,000 megalitres yesterday, but reduced over night. They are hopeful that the flows will reduce to 10,000 ml within 24 hours. (A flow of more than 35,000 ml is considered flood level.)
The recent bushfires have created a lot more flood debris than usual. Southern Rural Water took steps to flush debris from the weir gates today.
Damage assessment - Infrastructure
We are expecting that falling waters will reveal significant road and bridge damage and this create a lot of extra work for Council and VicRoads.
The Licola Road has suffered major damage with several bridges lost, mainly Vic Roads. It is likely that there will be no public access to Licola for many months and it will probably take two years to fully restore the road. DSE is hoping to open a 4WD route through forest roads to provide emergency access for residents only. It is believed that no more than six residents remain in Licola.
Police aerial reports indicate the following damage:
Cheynes Bridge is gone.
Stoney Creek Bridge is 75% gone
Abutments have been lost at Licola Bridge
500m of the Tamboritha Road is gone.
Appears to be more damage to the Jamieson Road
Damage assessment – Production
It is too early to estimate produce and business losses but they will be significant.
Major impacts have been felt in horticulture where whole crops have been washed away.
Major losses to fencing, shedding and fodder have occurred.
Livestock losses are unknown, but are expected to be relatively light to moderate.
(DPI have a farming recovery help line - 1800 729 834)
Flooded local businesses have lost significant stock, as well as custom while they recover.
It should be noted that many businesses, particularly in smaller towns, were already suffering significant loss of income due the impact of the drought on local spending. This situation will not change as farmers will still not have a normal income until at least their first harvest or herds are built to normal levels.
Wellington Shire Council is arranging for a detailed report on the losses and economic impacts of the floods.
Other matters
The concern being shown by Members of Parliament is most encouraging and appreciated. In addition to enquiries and support from local members, the Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Primary Industries toured flood affected areas yesterday. Opposition Leader Ted Bailleau has arranged a briefing and tour for tomorrow.
Power remained on at the Port of Sale Civic Centre building throughout the emergency (it was expected to lose power).
Residents will be allowed free dumping of flood debris at Council transfer stations and Kilmany tip.
All staff must be thanked for their efforts and spirit of co-operation in meeting this incident.
Core focus will now be on Recovery. In the first instance, any recovery inquiries should be directed through the Shire on 1300 366 244. This number will operate over this weekend 9am-5pm.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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