SES has developed Local Flood Guides to explain local flood risks for communities at risk. This includes advice for communities on how to prepare and respond to flood events and who to contact in the event of a flood.

SES has also developed Municipal Flood Emergency Plans to prepare, respond to and recover from flood events within Municipality.

Flood history

Golden Plains Shire Council has a number of rivers, creeks and waterways at risk of flooding. The town of Inverleigh is located where the Leigh River and the Barwon River meet, meaning that the town can experience extensive flooding if the two rivers flood at the same time. Shelford is impacted by flooding of the Leigh River.

As well as impacting Shelford and Inverleigh, in 2010 and 2011 localised flooding occurred in the north-western regions of the shire around Haddon, Smythesdale and Smythes Creek.

Flood warning systems are in place for Inverleigh and Shelford through the Bureau of Meteorology. The lead time to respond to a flood event may be limited.  Households and businesses should refer to their Local Flood Guide or Municipal Flood Emergency Plan for more information.