Residents in the state’s south-west are being urged to avoid flood waters and keep up to date on the latest flood warnings with more rain forecast this week.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino and VICSES Chief Officer Trevor White today visited Coleraine and Casterton to thank emergency service staff and volunteers for their efforts in keeping the community safe, and to offer support to residents affected by the floods.
A number of properties in Casterton were inundated with water after the Glenelg River peaked at more than six metres just before 4.30am yesterday.
Some areas remain flooded and emergency services are waiting for flood waters to subside before undertaking a full inspection of the damaged areas.
Casterton residents are also being urged to remain alert with more rain possible for Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Flooding affected eight homes and six businesses in Coleraine when the Bryan Creek flooded just after 7am on Friday.
Six of those homes remain uninhabitable until full safety inspections can be completed.
Emergency Relief Assistance had already been provided to assist a number of residents affected by the Coleraine floods.
The relief assistance provides a one off payment of up to $520 per adult and $260 per child (up to a maximum of $1300 per household) to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing and personal items.
Information about financial assistance is available from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Glenelg Shire Council in Casterton, and the Southern Grampians Shire in Coleraine.
Residents can continue to monitor flood warnings on the Emergency Management Website at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Emergency Relief Assistance is available to provide immediate short-term financial assistance for emergency food, shelter and clothing - I urge those in need to take advantage of this support.”
“When disaster strikes our emergency services staff and volunteers band together to keep the community safe and I commend them for the outstanding support they’ve given the residents of Coleraine and Casterton during this difficult time.”
Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Officer Trevor White
“Residents should avoid driving or walking through flood waters and keep up to date on weather and flood warnings, with more rain forecast in the coming days
Reviewed 19 August 2020