Unit controller Steve McDowell said they were watching the Moyne, Shaw and Eumeralla rivers after a busy weekend responding to flooded roads and properties.

Flood waters came close to homes in Rosebrook and Kirkstall, but Mr McDowell said the homes had escaped damage.   

Mr McDowell said the amount of rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday was a concern. 

“The water levels haven’t quite reached the level of 2010. 2010 was our last significant event. If we get rain tomorrow or Wednesday we’d be seeing those levels again,” Mr McDowell said. 

Mr McDowell said the group’s members were ready to respond ,depending on how much rain the region received in the coming days.

“At this stage it’s our normal crew. It’s dependent on what happens with the rain in the next few days. Up to 25 mils is forecast on Wednesday, but it could be more or less,” he said. 

“If it becomes a problem we will door knock if it’s going to cause havoc later in the week.

He said the SES and catchment management authorities would be in regular contact and put measures in place to protect properties if necessary.

“We’ll be monitoring those three rivers for the rest of the week.”

Mr McDowell said drivers must drive to the conditions, rather than the speed limit, on wet roads. 

“In the wetter weather we urge people to slow down. We have witnessed people driving through water on the road at 100 kmh. It’s dangerous and cars can aquaplane in those sorts of conditions,” he said. 

He said unit members had had a busy weekend responding to call outs on Friday including clearing a fallen tree blocking Kangertong Road, Hawkesdale, a vehicle roll over off Tarrone Lane, Orford and a home at Spencer Road in Kirkstall.

“We thought a house at Kirkstall was going to go under but we saved that one. It was good luck more than anything, the rain stopped.”

They then worked with police on the Warrnambool – Penshurst Road to warn drivers of water across the road in several spots into the early hours of Saturday morning.

They also sand bagged a home at Rosebrook and took a number of calls from concerned residents throughout the weekend. 

“We had calls from people asking flood advice and what level it needs to be before they call us to come out.”

He said roads which were underwater included the Willatook-Warrong Road, Spencer Road, Kirkstall, Three Chain Road/Penshurst – Port Fairy Road, the Princes Highway at Yambuk and multiple spots along Minhamite- Warrong Road. 

Mr McDowell encouraged residents to check the SES website ses.vic.gov.au for warnings and local media for updates in coming days. 

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