Originally Published November 1 2022
PROVING true to the old adage, everything old is new again.
When the major flood arrives at Bridgewater, towns downstream usually know what to expect when it hits them, and the devastation it leaves behind.
But no two floods are ever the same.
“Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”
That’s the catch-cry from Geoff Rollinson, a stalwart at Gannawarra Shire Council who knows the river system in northern Victoria like the veins on the back of his hands.
Indeed, everything old was new again, with local knowledge still fresh from the 2011 floods.
With the devastation of 2011 still raw for some, there were methodical processes in place.
Day-by-day actions were almost scheduled in a diary, and carried out like a well-oiled machine.
The Patchell Bridge needs to be closed at this time, the train tracks need to be covered over to form the town levee bank on this day, this many sandbags need to be prepared and these are the times levee banks need to be inspected.
Emergency services, townspeople and council learnt a lot from the 2011 floods.
But what made this year different is the volume of water in the Murray River and the length of time the water sits in the system.
It’s slow moving from spring growth in paddocks and river banks and will hang around for several weeks.
But while the beast meandered through the Loddon River, meeting up with tributaries on the way north to the mighty Murray, the community had to be one-step ahead.
Driving through Kerang on a Saturday morning had an eerie feel to it, some businesses were open to give a sense of normality, even if there were no customers.
In Kerang, the greens were still being watered, golf buggies still buzzing around and bowls still rolling down the rink.
“We did some sandbagging this morning, but we’re too old for it now,” one bowler told me.
“We were 11 years younger in 2011. Now it’s the next generation coming to the rescue.”
Some old things aren’t new, like the community spirit, resilience and sense of pride for townships. Locals would protect their town at any cost.
The true ethos and purpose of community organisations have been on full display.
Rotary and Lions serving the emergency service volunteers refreshments and the CFA and SES sandbagging and protecting homes and properties.
It didn’t matter your age, fitness, sexuality, religion or career, every set of hands were warmly greeted, and saved one less house from being inundated.
There has been a buzz in the air – not just helicopters doing aerial surveillance but the mozzies too.
They sting and leave a mark, much like the floods do.
As the water level drops in Kerang, you get a punch in the stomach realisation that water has hit homes and crops further downstream.
The water will eventually leave the district, but there can never be a sense of complacency about when the next flood could hit.
Maintaining private and public levees, moving stock to higher ground, helping you neighbour, being united for a common goal.
Everything old is new again.
