Find out more about the various activities happening across the shire this Easter including the Powercor Stawell Gift, Great Western Rodeo and Stawell Lions Club Easter Carnival, along with school holiday activities at Stawell and St Arnaud libraries and Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.
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Northern Grampians Shire has a long history of flooding, including a significant flood event in October 2022. This impacted the areas of Glenorchy, Great Western, Halls Gap, Marnoo, Navarre, and St Arnaud. For more information on this event please visit Flood Recovery.
The lead time to respond to a flood event may be limited. All households and businesses at risk of flooding should develop an emergency plan and be aware of their flood risk. Households and businesses should refer to their Local Flood Guide or Municipal Flood Emergency Plan for more information.
A Flood Watch or Flood Warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology to tell people about possible flooding.
A Flood Watch is issued when heavy rainfall is expected, and flooding may occur in certain areas. Because the exact location and amount of rain can be uncertain, a Flood Watch often covers a wide region.
Flood Watches may also describe the type of flooding that could happen:
Local Flooding: This can happen in areas without major rivers. Intense rain can cause water to quickly run off into small creeks or low‑lying areas, leading to localised flooding.
Local and Riverine Flooding: This applies to areas with established rivers and streams. Heavy rainfall can cause both localised flooding and rising water levels in main rivers.
Some areas included in a Flood Watch may not have a formal flood warning service in place, so staying informed and prepared is especially important.
A Flood Watch is not a warning of imminent flooding.
A Flood Warning is issued when the Bureau is confident that flooding will occur, usually once rainfall has begun. These warnings are more specific than a Flood Watch and focus on particular catchments or smaller areas within a river system. They generally include details about how severe the flooding is expected to be.
Sometimes a Flood Warning may be issued without a Flood Watch beforehand. This can happen because weather systems can be complex, and heavy rain isn’t always predictable – especially when small‑scale weather features develop suddenly.
Prepare your property:
Unplug appliances to prevent electrical shock when power returns.
Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground.
Tie down or bring outdoor items inside.
Communicate with your household and neighbours:
Ensure everyone knows where, how and when to turn off mains power, water and gas in case of emergency and evacuation.
Talk to your neighbours, family and friends to see what their plans are and talk about how you can help each other.
Get prepared:
Prepare your emergency kit.
Check your home insurance is up to date.
Stay informed – monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226).
Never drive, ride, walk, play or swim in floodwaters. It can be deadly.
If a flood does occur, be prepared to leave. Follow the advice contained in the warning and advice messages.
Continue to monitor conditions.
Bring pets inside.
Block toilets, household drains and sinks with plugs to stop sewage backflow.
Tie down objects likely to float and cause damage. Raise poisons, oils and chemicals well above floor level.
Turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
Wear protective clothing such as strong boots and gloves as flood water is likely to be contaminated.
Contact your insurance company immediately and take photos of damage.
Be aware of road hazards, such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
Dispose of food and medication that was in contact with flood water.
Dry out and clean buildings straight away. See betterhealth.vic.gov.au for advice on protecting your health and cleaning your home following a flood.
Flooding may cause sewage to backflow into your home. Contaminated areas should be professionally disinfected. Keep children and pets away until clean-up is completed.
For emergency assistance due to a flood, please call the VICSES for help on 132 500.
Please visit the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) website to view the Northern Grampians Shire Municipal Flood Emergency Plan, Halls Gap Local Flood Guide, Glenorchy Local Flood Guide, and other Northern Grampians Shire flood information.
VICSES is the responsible agency for flood, storm, and landslide emergencies.