Local Flood Guide. Mooroopna and Shepparton. Safe. Flood information for the Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks at Mooroopna and Shepparton

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1 Local Flood Guide Mooroopna and Shepparton Safe Flood information for the Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks at Mooroopna and Shepparton McLennan St, Mooroopna 1974 flood Mooroopna and Shepparton

2 Local Flood Information Your Local Flood Information The Mooroopna and Shepparton local area Mooroopna and Shepparton are located in North Eastern Victoria in the Greater Shepparton City Council. Both towns sit either side of the Goulburn River. The Broken River and Seven Creeks join the Goulburn River south of Mooroopna and Shepparton and make the area very prone to floods. Flooding in the area has affected people, property, businesses and livestock since Your local emergency broadcasters are: ABC 97.7 FM 3 SR 95.3 FM Star FM 96.9 FM Greater Shepparton City Council: Know your risk The Goulburn River catchment collects rainfall from the Seymour area, the Great Dividing Range and water releases from Lake Eildon. The Broken River and Seven Creeks catchments collect rainfall from the Benalla, Euroa and Strathbogie areas. Floods in these areas often result in floods in Mooroopna and Shepparton. Phone: (03) council@shepparton.vic.gov.au Web: Mooroopna and Shepparton are also at risk of flash flooding after heavy rain because the land is so flat. Are you at risk of flood? Around Mooroopna and Shepparton, the Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks can all cause flooding. If floods happen in one, two or all three waterways at once, this makes a difference to which areas flood. If flooding comes from a particular river or direction, this is called flood dominance. There are three flood dominance maps which show you the different impacts for floods in Mooroopna and Shepparton: Goulburn River Dominant Flood - flooding mainly coming from the Goulburn River (see map page 4). Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominant Flood - flooding coming from the Broken River and Seven Creeks (see map page 5). Neutral Flood - when all three waterways are flooding at the same time (see map page 6). No two floods are the same and the three dominances make it harder to predict exactly what will happen during floods. Flooding from the rivers in this area usually lasts about four to seven days depending on the rainfall. Roads and properties can also flood due to water backing up in the stormwater drain system. Flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall can also occur in low-lying areas, especially in the industrial and business areas of Mooroopna and Shepparton East and around the Doyle s Road- Midland Highway roundabout. These flash floods only last a few hours but can be dangerous and cause extensive damage. The image above shows the Shepparton flood cow, a flood marker which was located on the Goulburn River. It showed minor, moderate and major flood levels and historical heights. The flood cow will be replaced. Did you know? The area has a history of flooding including in 1870, 1916, 1974, 1993 and more recently in Interestingly: 1974 was a Goulburn River dominant flood 1993 was a Broken River dominant flood 2010 was a Neutral flood which saw gauges on the Goulburn, Broken and Seven Creeks peak at major level. During this flood, 13 houses and 31 buildings were flooded, 620 houses were isolated and more than 60 people attended the relief and recovery centre. Floods like this or worse could occur again. Even if your property is not affected by floodwater, you may be impacted indirectly by road closures, isolation and disruption to essential services including telephones, power and sewerage. In response to this flood risk, Greater Shepparton City Council has extra resources in place to help the community keep safe and be better prepared including: Property Specific Flood Charts (see page 3). VoiceREACH, a telephone message service that sends early warning and flood information (see page 7). 2 Kialla Lakes Drive, 2010 flood Local Flood Guide

3 Your Local Flood Information Property-specific flood charts Property-specific flood charts have been developed for high flood risk areas within Mooroopna and Shepparton. Over 7,000 flood information charts exist for properties that are likely to be flooded or isolated during flood events have been developed. The charts were delivered to high risk properties in 2006 and can still be obtained from Greater Shepparton City Council s website. The chart shows at what river gauge height your property s yard is likely to be flooded or when above floor flooding into your home or business might start. When flood warnings are issued for these areas, they will usually include a predicted flood peak height river gauge reading and an estimated time of arrival of the flood peak (the highest flood level). Property Specific Flood Charts These charts help you develop your emergency plan and make better decisions to keep you and your family safe. Remember you may be impacted before the peak. Each chart shows the different ways that flood dominance changes at what height your property is likely to be affected. An example chart is shown below: Different flood river dominances Gauge heights when flooding above floor level or around your property is likely at your address. Where to find flood information. Notes about the chart How can I get my chart? Property-specific flood charts can be obtained by visiting the Greater Shepparton City Council website s flood information section: and type in your property address. Alterntaivery you can call the council on (03) Please note: not all properties in Mooroopna and Shepparton have a property specific flood chart. A further 3,000 properties are to be surveyed and these property charts will be available in Local Flood Guide 3

4 Your local Flood Information Your Local Flood Information Goulburn River Dominant Flood This map shows the spread of a Goulburn River dominant flood at a height of 12.3 metres at the Shepparton Gauge (see page 8: Goulburn River Gauge at Shepparton- light blue section). This is called a 1% flood which means there is a 1% chance of a flood this size occurring in any year. Your property may be affected before it reaches this height on the gauge. Your property specific flood chart shows at which height you are likely to be impacted in a Goulburn Dominant flood. 4 Local Flood Guide

5 Your Local Flood Information Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominant Flood This map shows the spread of a Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominant Flood at a height of 12.3 metres at the Shepparton Gauge (see page 8). This same height is called a 1% flood which means there is a 1% chance of a flood this size occurring in any year. Your property may be affected before it reaches this height on the gauge. Your property specific flood chart shows at which height you are likely to be impacted in a Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominant flood. Your Local Flood Information Local Flood Guide 5

6 Your local Flood Information Your Local Flood Information Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks Neutral Flood This map shows the spread of a Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks neutral flood (when all three waterways are flooding at once) at a height of 12.2 metres at the Shepparton Gauge. This same height is called a 1% flood which means there is a 1% chance of a flood this size occurring in any year. Your property may be affected before it reaches this height on the gauge. Your property specific flood chart shows at which height you are likely to be impacted in a neutral flood. 6 Local Flood Guide

7 About Flood Warnings What warnings mean Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to tell people about possible flooding. A Flood Watch means there is a developing weather pattern that might cause floods in one or two days. Emergency Alert SES may provide alerts to the Mooroopna and Shepparton communities through the Emergency Alert telephone warning system. All Emergency Services can use Emergency Alert to warn communities about dangerous situations by voice message to landline telephones or text message to mobile phones. About Flood Warnings Flood Warnings mean flooding is about to happen or is already happening. There are Minor, Moderate and Major flood warnings. Below outlines some of the impacts you might see in Mooroopna and Shepparton at these flood levels: Minor Flood Warning Flooding of low-lying areas and farmland near waterways e.g. Doyles Road and Orrvale Road. Moving of stock and equipment to higher ground. Minor roads and low-lying bridges closed due to flooding e.g. Macfarlane Road, Mitchell Road, Watt Road and Raftery Road. Moderate Flood Warning May result in evacuation of some houses. Closure of busy traffic routes such as Gordon Drive, Archer Road in Kialla and Echuca Road in Mooroopna. Major Flood Warning Causes widespread flooding of farmland and urban areas. Flooding or isolation of many properties with hundreds of homes under threat. Many evacuations. Possible closure main traffic routes such as the Goulburn Valley Highway, Midland Highway and the Causeway. Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) will give information about how the floodwater might affect people and properties. This includes safety messages to remind you what to do. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Thunderstorms are classified as severe, due to their potential to cause significant localised damage through: wind gusts, large hail, tornadoes or flash flooding. Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued to the community by the Bureau of Meteorology. Severe Weather Warnings These warnings are issued to the community by the Bureau of Meteorology when severe weather is expected that is not directly related to severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires. Examples of severe weather include damaging winds and flash flooding. Flash Flooding happens quickly. There may be little or no warning. The arrival time or depth of a flash flood can usually not be predicted. Remember, you may not receive any official warning. Be aware of what is happening around you to stay safe. Never wait for a warning to act. If you receive a warning, make sure that all family members, people at work and your neighbours are aware of the situation. If you receive an Emergency Alert you should pay attention and act. It could mean life or death. If you need help to understand a warning, ask a friend, neighbour or family member. Warnings for Mooroopna and Shepparton Flood Warnings for the Goulburn River, Broken River and Seven Creeks are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Flood Warnings provide predictions of flood size (minor, moderate or major), the flood arrival time and the possible peak (highest level) of the: Goulburn River at Shepparton and Arcadia Downs Broken River at Orrvale Seven Creeks at Kialla Lakes It is important to know how the predicted flood could impact you (see page 8 for more information). Council flood messages (VoiceREACH) As well as receiving warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency Alert, Greater Shepparton City Council has a free VoiceREACH telephone system. This system delivers information to phones (landlines and mobiles) and answering machines to thousands of local homes, businesses and industries. Once registered on the system, your phone rings and when answered you hear a pre-recorded information message (not an SMS). To register visit the council website or call them on (03) Flood levees A levee is an embankment usually along-side a river or creek designed to protect property from floodwater. Levees can reduce the frequency of flooding but no levee is guaranteed to be flood proof. A levee is designed to control a certain amount of floodwater. If larger floods occur, water will flow over the levee into lower areas. Floodwater may also damage the levee, allowing floodwater to flow through an opening or break. Flood levees are to protect property, not people. If the levee is in danger of failing you will be advised to evacuate flood prone areas. It is important that you follow this advice. In this area, there are levees that reduce the risk of flooding to some low-lying areas including parks and camping areas along the Goulburn River from Lake Victoria to Knight Street. For more information about levees visit the SES website. Local Flood Guide 7

8 Local Flood Information Local Flood Gauges There are four main gauges in this area which provide river height levels and predictions of floodwater heights. You can check these gauges during floods on the BoM website. Goulburn River gauge at Shepparton Broken River gauge at Orrvale Seven Creeks gauge at Kialla West. Goulburn River gauge at Arcadia Downs Know your risk They can help to show where the main flooding (river dominance) might be coming from when floods happen. But, no two floods are ever the same so keep watch, be aware of what is happening around you. Mooroopna and Shepparton s Key Flood Levels While no two floods are the same, knowing heights from past floods can give you an idea of what might happen in your area and allows you to compare predicted floods. Flood warnings will sometimes provide a prediction of a height based on a gauge. You can use the table below to see how a flood might affect you: Flood levels Goulburn River gauge at Shepparton Goulburn River gauge at Arcadia Downs Broken River gauge at Orrvale Seven Creeks gauge at Kialla West Minor Flood Level 9.5 m 9.0 m 6.8 m 4.5 m Moderate Flood Level 10.7 m 10.2 m 7.2 m 5.0 m Major Flood Level 11.0 m 10.5 m 7.9 m 6.6 m Goulburn River gauge at Shepparton For Mooroopna township, Shepparton central business district, Kialla, Shepparton north and nearby rural areas. Below minor flood level: 8.75 m Watt Road and Raftery Road start to flood. Minor flood impacts from 9.5 m could include: 9.82 m 2011 flood level m 2012 flood level. Moderate flood impacts from 10.7 m could include: m Macguire Reserve levee overflows to near Daintons Bridge. Major flood impacts from 11.0 m could include: m 2010 flood level m Balmoral Estate levee overflows m Victoria Lake levee overflows m Princess Park levee overflows m 1993 flood level m Midland Highway/P.R.Edwards Causeway completely closed m 1974 flood level. A Goulburn River dominant flood. In 1974, Mooroopna was completely cut off m 1916 flood level (estimated) m 1% flood level (see map page 4). Goulburn River gauge at Arcadia Downs This gauge is used to help work out flood dominance. Below Minor 1993 flood level flood level. Minor flood impacts from 9.0 m could include: m 2011 flood level. Major flood impacts from 10.5 m could include: m 1981 flood level m 2010 flood level m 1974 flood level (estimated). Broken River gauge at Orrvale For areas along the river from Orrvale, Kialla east, Kialla north and areas north of the Broken River in Shepparton. Below minor flood level: 6.01 m 2011 flood level. Minor flood impacts from 6.8 m could include: 7.01 m 2012 flood level m Lake Kialla overflows into Gordon Drive, Kialla. Moderate flood impacts from 7.2 m could include: 7.20 m Kialla Lakes Drive starts to flood m Archer St, Kialla starts to flood m Gordon Drive, Kialla and bridge flooded m 1996 flood level. Major flood impacts from 7.9 m could include: 8.21 m 2010 flood level m 1974 flood level m 1993 flood level. This was a Broken River dominant flood. Seven Creeks gauge at Kialla West For areas around Kialla, Kialla Lakes, Kialla West, Mooroopna, Shepparton South, along Seven Creeks and Honeysuckle Creek. Minor flood impacts from 4.5 m could include: 4.50 m Mitchell Road floods between Goulburn Valley Highway and Archer Street. Moderate flood impacts from 5.0 m could include: 5.00 m Raftery Road, Kialla flooded between the bridge and Edgewater Road. Arcadia Downs traffic detoured m 2012 and 1996 flood level m Balmoral Street, Kialla starts to flood. Major flood impacts from 6.6 m could include: 6.60 m 2010 flood level m 1974 flood level m 1993 flood level. 8 Local Flood Guide

9 Preparing for Floods NOW - before a flood Check if your home or business is subject to flooding. For more information, contact the Greater Shepparton City Council. Develop an Emergency Plan. Check if you could be cut off by floodwater. Know the safest way to go if you decide to leave your property and plan an alternative route. Check your insurance policies to ensure your equipment, property and business are covered for flood damage. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone. Put together an Emergency Kit. When a flood is likely Take action. Follow your Emergency Plan. Listen to your radio for information and advice. Check your neighbours are safe and know about the flood. Stack possessions on benches and tables with electrical goods in the highest places. Anchor objects that are likely to float and cause damage. Move rubbish bins, chemicals and poisons to the highest place. Put important papers, valuables, photos and other special personal items into your Emergency Kit. Business owners should raise stock, business records and equipment onto benches and tables. Rural property owners should move livestock, pumps and machinery to higher ground. If you are likely to be isolated, have enough food, drinking water, medicine, fuel and other needs to last at least three days. Do not forget pet food and stock feed. The time for me to evacuate is before: Your Emergency Plan Emergencies can happen at any time, with little warning. People who have planned and prepared for emergencies have reduced the impact and recovered faster. Taking the time to think about emergencies and make your own plan helps you think clearly and have more control to make better decisions when an emergency occurs. Your Emergency Plan should identify: The types of emergencies that might affect you. How those emergencies might affect you. What you will do before, during and after an emergency. Where to get more information. Where you will go if you evacuate and the best way to go in different circumstances. A list of phone numbers you will need, including emergency services, your insurance company, friends and family. Visit to obtain a copy of your Home Emergency Plan workbook Evacuation Prepare a plan Victoria Police is responsible for coordinating an evacuation in an emergency. During a flood, Police, SES and other emergency services may advise you to evacuate to keep you safe. It is important that you follow this advice. Preparing For Floods There are two types of evacuation notices that may be issued via your emergency broadcaster during a flood: Prepare to evacuate - means you should act quickly and take immediate action to protect your life and property. You should get ready to leave your property. Evacuate immediately - you must leave immediately as there is a risk to lives. Remember you can leave at any time if you feel unsafe. You do not need to wait to be told to evacuate. Local Flood Guide 9

10 Home Emergency Kit Emergency Kit Every home and business should have a basic emergency kit: Copy of your Emergency Plan Radio Torch Spare batteries Copy of documents & records Long life food First aid kit Safe drinking water Gloves Check your kit often. Make sure things work. Replace out of date items. When a warning is issued, have ready for use or pack into your kit: Mobile phone and charger Prescriptions & medicines Pet needs Strong shoes Clothes for your family 3 days supply 3 days supply 3 days supply 3 days supply I need to add: Write your list here. Tick items as you pack them into your kit. Special needs Photos Family Keepsakes Valuables Documents Other 10 Local Flood Guide

11 During and After a Flood During a flood When flooding has begun: Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater. Floodwater can be deep and damage roads and bridges. Do not let your children play or swim in floodwater. It is dirty, dangerous and deadly. Tune in to your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, Commercial Radio, designated Community Radio Stations and SKY NEWS Television. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero). For emergency help from the SES in floods and storms call Stay away from all waterways including drains and culverts. Stay away from fallen power lines electricity travels easily through water. Be aware that animals, snakes, rats, spiders and other pests may be on the move during a flood - they can come into houses and other buildings or hide around sandbags. Keep in contact with neighbours. Be prepared to leave early. When you leave early or evacuate: Leaving early is always the safest option, leave well before roads are closed by floodwater. Take your emergency kit and three days supply of clothing with you. Turn off the electricity, gas and water as you leave. Take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind. Dogs should be muzzled and cats should be caged. Go to a relief centre or to stay with friends or family in higher areas. If activated, Relief Centres can help you with: Temporary accommodation Financial help Personal support Drinks and meals Basic clothing and personal needs Help to contact family and friends. After a flood Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to fall. To make sure you stay safe: Keep listening to local emergency broadcasters. Do not return home until advised that it is safe. Once you return to your home: Drink bottled water or boil all drinking water until advised that the water supply is safe. Throw away any food or medicines that may have been in contact with floodwater or affected by power outages. When entering the building, use a torch to light your way - never use matches, cigarette lighters or any other flame as there may be gas inside. Keep the electricity and gas off until checked and tested by a professional. Take photographs of all damage for insurance. Clean your home straight away to stay healthy. How SES helps the community The Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer based emergency service. Although our SES volunteers attempt to reach everyone prior to or during an emergency, at times this is not possible. Therefore it is advisable for you to be prepared for emergencies so that you can share responsibility for your own wellbeing during those times. In a flood, SES assistance may include: Giving flood advice Protecting essential services Helping to protect infrastructure Rescuing people from floodwater Advising of an evacuation. To assist your preparation, it is recommended that you obtain a copy of a SES Home Emergency Plan by visiting During and After a Flood If you choose to shelter with a friend or relative, tell authorities where you are staying. Local Flood Guide 11

12 Checklist and Contacts Emergency Checklist NOW: Flood preparation Check if your insurance policies cover flooding. Keep this list of emergency numbers near the telephone. Put together an Emergency Kit and prepare a home or business Emergency Plan, see When you hear a Flood Watch or weather warning Listen to severe weather warnings for flash flood. Listen to radio and check the SES website for more information and advice. Go over your Emergency Plan. Pack clothing and other extra items into your Emergency Kit and take this with you if you evacuate. When flooding may happen soon (a Flood Warning) Make sure your family members and neighbours are aware of what is happening. Be ready to evacuate. Act early, conditions change rapidly, roads and escape routes can be covered or blocked. Don t forget to take pets and medicine with you. Put household valuables and electrical items as high as possible. Turn off water, gas and electricity at the mains. Secure objects likely to float and cause damage. Raise chemicals and oils well above the predicted flood height. Move pumps, machinery, hay and livestock to high ground. During the flood For emergency assistance, call for SES. DO NOT drive, ride, swim or walk through floodwater. This is the main cause of death during floods. NEVER allow children to play in floodwater. This is the main cause of death during floods for children and young people. Stay away from drains, culverts and waterways, water can flow quickly and have strong currents. Stay well clear of fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings. After the flood: recovery If your property has been flooded, check with the Greater Shepparton City Council for information and advice. Have all electrical and gas equipment professionally tested before use. For more information visit: Emergency Contacts Life threatening Emergency Police fire ambulance Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) For flood / storm emergency calls SES Information Line Operates during major floods or storms Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Weather Information, forecasts, warnings National Relay Service (NRS) Internet Relay users log into VicRoads Road closures and hazard reporting service The deaf, hearing or speech impaired can call SES or 000 using NRS: Speak and Listen (SSR) users phone TTY / Voice users phone Emergency Broadcasters Emergency broadcasters include ABC Local Radio, designated commercial radio stations across Victoria and SKY NEWS Television. Your electricity supplier: Your gas supplier: Doctor: 000 Triple Zero TTY VIC SES Dial Then Ask For then enter: or City of Greater Shepparton Phone: (03) council@shepparton.vic.govv.au Web: Weather District: Catchment: Complete the following and keep this information handy close to the phone: Vet: Insurance Policy Number: Phone Number: Northern Country Goulburn Broken Catchment ABC 97.7 FM 3 SR 95.3 FM Star FM 96.9 FM SKY NEWS Television This publication is supported by the National Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme. For the latest version of this publication visit Version : EMPC-LFG-21.0 Msy 2013