BULOKE FLOOD RECOVERY NEWSLETTER

Issue No 16 – 30 March 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................................... 1
FROM THE MAYOR ........................................................................................................................... 2
FUNDING FOR CHARLTON FLOOD PLAIN STUDY ............................................................................... 3
POWERCOR REVIEWING SUBSTATION PROTECTION......................................................................... 3
CHARLTON COMMUNITY RECOVERY COMMITTEE (CCRC) ................................................................ 4
CULGOA COMMUNITY RECOVERY .................................................................................................... 4
DONALD COMMUNITY RECOVERY MEETING – TUESDAY APRIL 5, 6.00PM AT THE DONALD GOLF
CLUB ................................................................................................................................................. 5
BLAZEAID .......................................................................................................................................... 6
CHARLTON RELIEF CENTRE – OPERATING HOURS ............................................................................. 6
FLOOD ADVICE FOR RENTERS AND LANDLORDS ............................................................................... 7
IMPORTANT FLOOD CONTACT NUMBERS ......................................................................................... 7
CHARLTON FIELD PRIMARY CARE CLINIC .......................................................................................... 7
WASTE DISPOSAL - CHARLTON ......................................................................................................... 7
COUNCIL SERVICES AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS ................................................................................. 8
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PACKAGES ............... 8
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY (DPI) – AGFUTURE’S FORUM _ NULLAWIL 5 APRIL 2011 ...... 8
GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT ............................................................................................................ 9
SPORT AND RECREATION VICTORIA – EMERGENCY GRANT: SPORTING AND RECREATION
EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 9
MATERIAL AID CENTRE OPERATING HOURS ..................................................................................... 9
FLYSTRIKE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP – BIRCHIP, APRIL 7, 2011 .................................................... 9

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FROM THE MAYOR
The apparent inconsistency of insurance companies has probably been the talking point of
the Shire for the last week following policy holders from one insurance company being
advised that their claims had been denied, when neighbours insured with another insurer
have had their claim accepted. This apparent inconsistency is inexplicable given that
everyone was affected by the same flood. Local meetings to discuss the situation are taking
place in Charlton this week. Home owners in this situation are advised to contact the
Financial Ombudsman Service on 1300 78 08 08 to lodge a dispute.

On a more positive note it is pleasing to report that the Victorian Government has allocated
$150,000 to undertake a flood protection study of Charlton. The study is to be jointly
auspiced by the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Council. Details of the
terms of reference for the study and community consultation arrangements will be
announced soon. Council believes similar studies should be undertaken for Donald,
Wycheproof and Culgoa but are pleased that at least one Buloke town is to benefit from a
comprehensive study of the January flood and the identification of possible flood protection
measures.

The receipt of advice this week from Powercor that it is looking at how to best protect the
Charlton substation from a future flood event is also pleasing. Many in the Charlton
community see this as one of the most important responses to the January flood.

I also had the opportunity this week to inspect progress on construction of the temporary
Hospital facility in Charlton. Work on this facility is progressing quickly, and I was impressed
by the quality of the fit out and the layout of the buildings. While the temporary facility will
not provide all of the services previously available from the Hospital, it will go a long way to
ensuring the local community has access to needed health facilities.

„Blazeaid‟ are starting to have a real impact in rural areas of the Shire. At the beginning of
this week they report that they have assisted in clearing 81.7kms of fencing and replacing
49.8kms of fence. This is a great effort by this volunteer organisation. „Blazeaid‟ is always
looking for more volunteers so if anyone is looking to donate some time to assisting rural
families just drop down to the „Blazeaid‟ camp at Charlton Park.

One of the most interesting aspects of the last week was the day I spent with Council staff
and volunteers from the Victorian Council of Churches visiting individuals and families
affected by the flood at their own homes. This visitation program has a number of objectives
including making contact with people to see how they are coping, listening to people tell their
own stories about the flood, gaining an insight into the progress being made with the
repair/restoration of homes and gathering information to use as part of ongoing recovery
planning and advocacy to State Government. Some of the stories I heard were heart
breaking but what impressed me most was the resilience of the people who told their stories.
It was an incredible experience to speak to and listen to people, some of whom have had a
lifetime of memories „washed‟ away, talk about their hopes for the future and belief in their
town. Despite problems with insurance companies, delays with repairs, fear of future floods
and even a shortage of money nearly everyone I spoke to believed in the future. It was a
very humbling experience and one that I will remember.

My activities over the last week just reinforce how much more there is to do for the Buloke
community to recover from the January flood. Some of the immediate physical scars of the
flood may have started to fade away, but the impact on people is still easy to see and tells a
story of just how long it will take for us to fully recover from this experience. There is still

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much to do and lots of support required from Government and others to help us through the
situation.

Cr Leo Tellefson
Mayor

FUNDING FOR CHARLTON FLOOD PLAIN STUDY

The Victorian Minister for Water and Member for Swan Hill, The Hon. Peter Walsh, has
announced that the Government will invest $150,000 in a flood management plan for
Charlton to determine ways to reduce the impact of future floods on the community.

Making the announcement on Tuesday 29 March 2011 Mr Walsh said “This funding will help
to find ways to reduce future flooding risk in Charlton, The flood management plan will
simulate various flood events through the town, identify key issues and explore infrastructure
options to mitigate flood impacts. It will also assess and recommend preferred flood
mitigation and drainage improvement works for future funding.”

Mr Walsh said Charlton residents would play a key role in establishing the plan and would
have the opportunity to raise concerns during its development. “I believe it will be vital to tap
into local knowledge during the development of this plan to understand local issues and the
impact the floods had on families, communities, local businesses and food and fibre
producers,” Mr Walsh said.

North Central CMA will lead the development of the Charlton flood management plan in
partnership with Buloke Shire.

POWERCOR REVIEWING SUBSTATION PROTECTION

Powercor has written to Council advising that it is reviewing all substation assets, including
the Charlton substation, that may be impacted by both 1:100 and 1:200 year flood events.
The review is to identify the best options to avoid similar impacts to those encountered in
January.

Powercor advise that some work is still required to understand both the height accuracy and
timeframes of flood warnings, to assess their ability to close levees around substations.

The review will also identify whether levees are the most appropriate or cost-effective
solution, by comparison with (for example) raising the height above ground of the
infrastructure. All options are currently being canvassed.

Powercor expects this work to be completed in the coming months.

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CHARLTON COMMUNITY RECOVERY COMMITTEE (CCRC)
The next meeting of the CCRC is scheduled for 6.00pm on Tuesday 12 April, 2011 at the
Charlton Shire Hall Supper Room. Interested members of the Charlton community are
welcome to attend.

The CCRC met for the fourth time on Tuesday 29 March 2011. Matters discussed at the
meeting included:
 Further consideration of a preliminary draft submission to the Comrie Inquiry,
 Clarification of key priorities,
 Community concern with the inconsistency shown by insurance companies in dealing
with claims within the town,
 The need for community input into the Flood Plain Study announced by the Victorian
Government
 Acknowledgement of the action being taken by Powercor to review flood protection of the
Charlton sub-station
 Coordination of flood recovery fund raising activities,
 Consideration of possible community events to assist with flood recovery, and
 The need for a meeting with VicRoads, VicTrack, V/Line, NCCMA, Council and local
parliamentarians to discuss flood protection and urban drainage improvements.

The Committee also discussed a proposal to establish a Community Resource Centre for
Charlton, redevelopment of the built facilities at Charlton Park (Charlton Community Centre
proposal), the need for improved flood warning systems, the need for flood mitigation and
protection, housing for the elderly and how the Committee can best communicate with the
Charlton community.

The CCRC will be issuing information and statements from the meeting to the Charlton
community in the next few days.

Don‟t forget, CCRC meetings are open to the community and the next meeting is 6.00pm
Tuesday 12 April 2011 at the Charlton Shire Hall Supper Room.

CULGOA COMMUNITY RECOVERY

The Culgoa Progress Association, at a meeting with Council held on Wednesday 16 March
2011, resolved to also convene as the Culgoa Community Flood Recovery Committee.

The meeting was well attended and a wide range of matters associated with the January
flood event and flood recovery were discussed. Key matters raised were:

 The urgent need for flood mitigation and protection works around the town
 Problems being experienced with access to rural properties due to the continuing
presence of water over some local roads
 The poor condition of many roads in the district and the impact this was already having
on farming activities, particularly restrictions and difficulties moving farm machinery
between properties
 Problems with the clean-up of properties as a result of residents temporarily re-locating
away from the town

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 The need for Council to give priority to better maintaining some laneways and roadsides
in the town as a result of flood damage
 The need for Council to give further attention to cleaning out culverts and underground
drainage across the town. It was acknowledged that some of this work had been
completed but the community believed more was required.

A number of individual flood recovery difficulties were raised at the meeting and the Council
representatives present undertook to investigate these and meet directly with the residents
involved.

In relation to the need for flood mitigation and protection works the meeting resolved to seek
a meeting with the Mallee Catchment Management Authority and local MP, Mr. Peter Walsh,
in his capacity as Victorian Minister for Water. The Committee is to write to Mr. Walsh,
Council is to contact the CMA and invite them to a meeting with the Committee.

Concern was raised at the meeting with what many present saw as a drop in the standards
of maintenance of the town by Council since the floods. Matters raised included the state of
gutters in the Main Street, weed control, blown litter and the general state of cleanliness of
the town. Council undertook to address these matters.

The Committee also discussed the need to hold an event to thank the many people and
organisations that had provided assistance to Culgoa during the September and January
flood events. It was noted that the Australia Day Breakfast for 2011 had been deferred due
to the flood crisis and suggested that a new date be set for this event which could include
recognition of the people and organisations that had assisted the town during the floods. It
was also agreed that the town would design and issue Certificates of Appreciation for
presentation to those who had assisted them.

Council representatives at the meeting also outlined the process for restoration of
community facilities, including assisting with the cost of either repairing or replacing
equipment damaged or lost as a result of the flood.

The next meeting of the Committee was set for Monday 18 April at 7.30pm in the Culgoa
Hall Supper Room. Locals should check this date closer to the meeting as it may change if
some of the external invitees are not available.

DONALD COMMUNITY RECOVERY MEETING – TUESDAY APRIL 5,

6.00PM AT THE DONALD GOLF CLUB
As reported in previous editions of this Newsletter several meetings to discuss flood
recovery priorities have been held in Donald since the January Floods. These meetings
have focused on proposals for flood mitigation and discussion of what factors may have
exacerbated the January Flood situation.

As part of its overall Flood Recovery Planning Council it is necessary that Council establish
a more formal Community Recovery Committee (CRC) in Donald.

A public meeting to seek nominations from the Donald community to be part of the Donald
CRC has been called for Tuesday April 5, 2011 at 6.00pm at the Donald Golf Course

The purpose and role of the Donald CRC will be to work with Council to establish a
Recovery Action Plan (RAP) for Donald and District, to monitor progress of the recovery

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process, gather information, provide feedback to stakeholders such as Government
agencies, identify community needs and resource requirements and make recommendations
to Council and Government. The CRC also provides a great platform for the community to
lobby Government for flood mitigation and other flood management measures.

This is a great opportunity for Donald residents, groups and businesses impacted by the
January Floods and anyone else with an interest in planning future flood warning and
mitigation measures to come along and get involved.

Once formed the CRC will need to adopt a Terms of Reference and meet regularly for a
number of months to develop and implement a local Recovery Action Plan. The CRC will be
supported by Council.

BLAZEAID
„Blazeaid‟ have set up a base camp in Charlton, at Charlton Park and have quickly got to
work helping farmers to strip flood borne materials from fences and commence repairs.

„Blazeaid‟ is a volunteer based organization established to help farmers with fencing and
fence line cleanup following a natural disaster. Farmers provide the materials and Blazeaid
provide the labour to assist with fence clean-up and restoration.

Farmers who need help getting their fences back into stock-proof condition only have to
answer a few simple questions to register with „Blazeaid‟. Apart from name, location and
contact details, „Blazeaid‟ will ask for an estimation of the approximate length of fencing and
clearing to be done, the type of fencing and whether there‟s rebuilding or replacing to be
done. Most importantly, farmers also need to indicate when they will have all necessary
materials on-site and be ready to start.

To register for assistance you can go in person to Charlton Park in Mildura Way, Charlton, or
you can call 0466348428, or go online at www.blazeaid.com/FencingHelp.html.

„Blazeaid‟ are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering contact
„Blazeaid‟ on the number above or email to blazeaid.charlton@gmial.com.

CHARLTON RELIEF CENTRE – OPERATING HOURS

The Charlton Relief Centre at the Charlton Shire Hall Supper Room operates between
9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Residents seeking urgent personal or family support and/or assistance outside of the
operating hours and at weekends should contact the Victorian Department of Human
Services on 5434 5555 or 1300 842 737 or www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency. For
Emergency Accommodation ring 1300 790 733.

Residents seeking assistance from Council after hours and at weekends should
telephone 1300 520 520 and follow the prompts.

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FLOOD ADVICE FOR RENTERS AND LANDLORDS
Renters and landlords in Buloke affected by the recent floods should contact Consumer
Affairs Victoria if they need tenancy advice.

Tenants and landlords can get advice in person from Consumer Affairs Victoria‟s
Office in Mitchell Street, Bendigo or by phoning (03) 5444 2038.

For further information about residential tenancy matters, view the Consumer Affairs website
at www.consumer.vic.gov.au, and visit the Disaster Frequently Asked Questions Renting
page, or call 1300 558 181.

IMPORTANT FLOOD CONTACT NUMBERS

An information sheet detailing important flood recovery related contact numbers is available
from the Charlton Recovery Centre, from any of Council District Office or Council‟s website,
www.buloke.vic.gov.au.

CHARLTON FIELD PRIMARY CARE CLINIC

The Charlton Field Primary Care Clinic is situated at the basketball stadium at Charlton
College in Davies St, Charlton. The clinic is open weekdays 8.30am – 5.00pm. The service
does not operate on weekends. No appointments are necessary.

For more information contact East Wimmera Health Service:

 Emergency Clinic, Davies St Charlton (03) 9654 9624 (This is a satellite telephone service
so there may be some service interruptions);
 St Arnaud Campus: (03) 5477 2100;
 Birchip Campus (03) 5477 7100;
 Donald Campus (03) 5478 6200;
 Wycheproof Campus (03) 5478 0700.
 For information about residents relocated from the Charlton Campus contact St. Arnaud
Campus on 03 54772100)

WASTE DISPOSAL - CHARLTON

The Charlton Land Fill site has returned to normal operating hours:
 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1.30pm to 5.30pm, and
 Sundays 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Town Waste Collection services have also returned to normal. Extra bins will no longer be
collected.

Residents are reminded of the need to separate household waste from recyclables.
Household waste must not be placed in the recycling bin.

Households clearing flood debris from homes or properties are encouraged to take the
materials directly to the Land Fill site. If you do need assistance with waste removal please
need to contact Council on 1300 520 520 to discuss what assistance can be provided.

If you have any questions at all on Waste Collection and Disposal please contact Council on
1300 520 520.

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COUNCIL SERVICES AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS
Charlton District Office - The Charlton District Office is still being dried out and will not re-
open for some months. Water has severely damaged the wooden floor sections of the
building, some of the wall panelling, office fittings, electrical systems and most of the
furniture.

A temporary office facility is to be opened in Watson Street, adjacent to the Council Depot.
The temporary building will also be used for Flood Recovery Centre activities. The
temporary building has been delivered to the site and is currently being readied for
occupation. The building will be operational in April.

Charlton Senior Citizen’s Centre - This building is being dried out before re-occupation.
New floor coverings have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive. As the
building has dried more damage has been identified and it is now likely that the kitchen area
will require replacement. Current estimates are that the building will not be ready for use
until sometime in May.

Charlton Recreation Reserve - Initial clean-up has been completed in most of the
buildings. Council staff are continuing to meet with the various user groups to develop plans
to replace damaged floor coverings, replace kitchen/catering equipment and address other
equipment needs.

Gordon Park Caravan Park - Power has been restored to the Camp Kitchen and Amenity
Block. Power has yet to be restored to caravan sites.

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT

SUPPORT PACKAGES
A separate information sheet setting out support packages available from the Federal
Government and the Victorian Government is available from the Charlton Recovery Centre,
from any Council District Office or Council‟s website, www.buloke.vic.gov.au.

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY (DPI) – AGFUTURE’S FORUM _

NULLAWIL 5 APRIL 2011

DPI is holding an Agfuture's Forum at the Nullawil Footy Sheds on Tuesday 5 April 2011
commencing at 10.00am and concluding at 3.00pm.

A focus of the Forum will be a soil conditioning and recovery following the recent floods.
Information on recent development in carbon trading and carbon emissions management will
also be provided at the Forum.

More details will be available closer to the event. All farmers affected by floods are invited to
attend. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

For more information contact Cameron Morrison, Project Manager Farm Planning, at DPI‟s
St Arnaud Office on 5495 1700.

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GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT
If you have a message you would like to get out to the Buloke community related to the flood
recovery effort or a community event, please contact Mark Remnant at Council on 1300 520
520.

SPORT AND RECREATION VICTORIA – EMERGENCY GRANT: SPORTING

AND RECREATION EQUIPMENT
This program provides grants of up to $2,000 to replace essential sports equipment lost or
destroyed during the floods.

Essential equipment includes that which is necessary to participate in sport or active

recreation (e.g. bats, balls, gloves, helmets, bikes, gymnastic mats, etc) as well as first aid
equipment that is necessary for immediate attention to injury that may occur during
participation in sport or active recreation.

The program does not provide funding for fixed playing surfaces and structures, non-playing
equipment (e.g. public address systems, banners, trophies, videos, etc), canteen items (e.g.
fridges, microwaves, food/drinks, cash registers, etc), maintenance equipment including
tools, equipment damaged through wear and tear, and equipment not owned by the
applicant but by another organisation or individual.

Further information is available on the Department of Planning and Community Development

website.
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/grants/all-grants/emergency-sporting-and-recreational-
equipment

MATERIAL AID CENTRE OPERATING HOURS

Operating hours of the two Material Aid Centres in Charlton operated by the Salvation Army are:
79 High Street, Charlton
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 3pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm

Pivot Shed, Calder Highway, Charlton

Tuesday & Thursday: 9am - 3pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm

FLYSTRIKE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP – BIRCHIP, APRIL 7, 2011

Sheep producers have a chance hone their understanding and management of flystrike at a
DPI best practice workshop to be held in Birchip on April 7, 2011.

Areas to be covered at the workshop will include:

 Breech modification including alternatives to mulesing.
 Pain relief, clips and Skintraction®.
 The impact of dags, worms and scouring management.
 The role that chemicals can play.

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 Breeding and selection and the impact on wool production.
 Wrinkle and fleece rot scoring, including ‘hands on’ session in the yards.
 The impact of shearing and crutching timing.

The workshop at Birchip will provide information about both reducing the impact of flystrike
and best practice mulesing. The workshop is free with lunch provided on the day but
registration is essential with only 20 places available at the event.
.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 7 from 9.30am to 4pm at Andy Barber’s
property, Karyrie Station Road, Birchip.

For more information and to register, contact Sam Clayfield, DPI Ballarat on 0428 513 722 or
for further information on SheepCRC events please visit www.sheepcrc.org.au/events

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