Damage caused by recent floods is likely to cost south-west local governments at least $17 million.
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Southern Grampians Shire estimated its damage bill would be more than $10 million, with chief executive officer Michael Tudball describing the cost as “enormous”.
"Every town and locality has some form of damage to infrastructure, from public toilets in Byaduk, roads in Victoria Valley, walking tracks and footbridges in Hamilton and of course significant damage in Coleraine,” he said.
Glenelg Shire was expecting the bill from the flood damage to top $5 million.
Chief executive officer Greg Burgoyne said Casterton had experienced one its worst floods in 20 years, with 10 properties inundated and 50 surrounded by floodwater as the Glenelg River peaked at more than six metres.
Corangamite Shire chief executive officer Andrew Mason said he expected flood damage for his area to be at least $2 million, but assessments would not be completed until the end of next week.
“Obviously there is a lot of work that needs to be done,” he said. “The majority of the damage has been damage to road surfaces, damage to bridges and culverts as well as drainage lines.”
Mr Mason said the damage had been widespread across the shire.
Warrnambool City Council and Moyne Shire were not able to provide an estimate for the cost of damage, but said assessments were still being undertaken.