MACORNA farmer Andrew Van der Drift has been monitoring the flood situation closely and moving livestock to higher ground following news that Goulburn-Murray Water was set to increase its daily flows from Ghow (Kow) Swamp to Box Creek.
About 3000 acres of their farm went under in the 2022 floods, and while it’s a different scenario this time, Mr Van der Drift remains vigilant.
“We’ve had 192mm of rain since Christmas,” he said.
This is half the farm’s usual annual rainfall.
“We only have minor flooding at the minute and this is nothing compared to 2022.
“We’re fortunate that our crops are off this year so we’re in a much better position.”
However, further rainfall or releases could result in a different outcome.
“It’s always a slow-moving flood in this area and we’re just waiting for the water to come up from Bendigo,” Mr Van der Drift said.
“It takes a while for the water to move along so it’s very much a wait-and-watch situation at this stage.”
Melissa Van der Drift urged others to spare a thought for farmers who were under water as a result of the recent rainfall events as their situation could change at any time.
“Our battle and damage will continue for weeks to come as the water filters through,” she said.
“The town has a levee bank to protect it from the water that is yet to come down through the creeks and rivers … we don’t, we just go further under.”
