Mildura transitions to recovery

Mildura transitions to recovery

03/01/2023, 5:18 PM

Management of the Murray River flood event by the Mildura Incident Control Centre (ICC) concluded at 8pm on Monday night, nearly two months after the ICC was first opened on 7 November.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Loddon Mallee Region volunteers and staff will continue to support the Mildura community, over the coming weeks and months, and coordinate further response activity, as required.

VICSES Mildura Unit volunteers maintain a strong response capability for any new emergencies related to riverine flooding as well as flash flood, storm damage, and road crash rescue and providing support to our partner agencies.

Key levees in the Mildura area continue to be monitored for signs of damage or degradation by Mildura Rural City Council and Lower Murray Water, who will undertake repairs if required.

Residents, local community members and anyone planning to visit the Mildura area during the continued school holidays should monitor VicEmergency for the latest updates.

It’s important to note however that it is still not safe for people to return to Iraak Island, the river side of Cootamundra Ave and the lower reaches of Edey Road near the Murray River at Karadoc or to some parts of Mildura, Nichols Point and Bruces Bend. Residents to these areas are being asked to continue to monitor VicEmergency for the latest info and advice messaging.

The Murray River at Mildura Weir peaked around mid-December with consistent falls in the river height observed in the weeks following. With water levels around Mildura subsiding, and a high confidence in the integrity of flood levees, the transition from response to recovery has now commenced.

The Murray River at Mildura Weir was at 37.79 metres Australian Height Datum (AHD) on Tuesday morning and falling. The river level is likely to remain about the moderate flood level (37.50m AHD) through to mid to late January and may not fall below the minor flood level (36.00m AHD) until February.

As usual, the Mildura ICC will open as required over the summer months for readiness, or in response, to any storms or floods which emerge.

Resourcing of the Mildura ICC is supported by FFMVic, CFA, VICSES, Victoria Police and other emergency services.

Quotes attributable to Senior Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Sharon Unthank:

“Our team in the Mallee have worked extremely hard these past few months to minimise impacts to community and I thank all those who have contributed and enabled the transition to recovery to occur.”

“People who live, work or visit Mildura need to be aware that flood-related hazards still exist in the area. Mosquitos, damaged roads, dangerous floodwater and displaced snakes and spiders still pose a threat to your safety. Keep an eye out for each other this holiday period and always follow the instructions of emergency services.”

“Thank you to the great people of Mildura and surrounds who have done it tough these past few months. The resilience and positive attitude shown by locals has been incredible.”