Ongoing heavy rain across the region has created chaos with road closures, rescue operations, and cancelled events as locals brace for another wet weather system expected to hit later this week.
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Halfway through the month of October, the region has already recorded 103.6mm; more than double the long-term October average of 51.3mm.
Heavy downpours last week forced the Rutherglen Agricultural Society to postpone the October 16 show with the showgrounds deemed too wet to cater for the much-loved family event.
“Due to the current weather situation and the state of the showgrounds, we do not wish to adversely affect the communal areas of the showgrounds which are enjoyed by many,” President Greg Lumby said.
“As such rather than cancel the show we have decided to postpone it to Sunday November 13th, which we hope will still work in with many and be a much more favourable day. We are very keen to see the show continue on.”
On Friday morning, many locals woke up to localised flooding resulting in a significant number of road closures, including the Murray Valley Highway, Riverina Highway and Federation Way.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke thanked residents for reporting water over roads to council.
“We continue to experience flash flooding throughout our Local Government Area that has had various impacts on our road network,” Mayor Bourke said.
“As such, council has advised residents to only undertake essential or emergency travel. It is difficult to assess all impacts at this time, but council staff are working around the clock with lead agencies to ensure our community is kept well informed of the flood situation as it develops.”
The Rutherglen SES Unit was kept busy over the week filling sandbags for residents.
Unit Controller Irene Cracknell told the Free Press it was great to see locals being “proactive”.
“After the January flash flooding event, people are being very cautious and preparing just in case,” she said.
SES crews have also been busy removing trees from roads and even evacuating people from along the Murray River.
“Paramedics have had difficulty assessing roads, so we’ve had to assist there too,” Ms Cracknell said.
With more rainfall forecast for the remainder of the week, Ms Cracknell said it was important for locals to continue being proactive and monitor conditions.
Farmers on edge
With the La Nina weather system continuing to impact much of the country, local farmers are becoming increasingly concerned with forecasts predicting a tough few months ahead.
Corowa farmer and Murray River Action Group chair Richard Sargood said it was an anxious time for farmers and landholders.
“Everybody is concerned about how they are going to get on their paddocks come harvest time,” Mr Sargood told the Free Press.
“Generally speaking, the crops are looking pretty good. The problem is, will paddocks have the ability to carry machinery to harvest, be it headers, trucks, and chaser bins? It’s going to be a very big challenge.”
Mr Sargood said if the rainfall continues, the risk of weather damage to crops will increase resulting in a downgrade to exceptional looking crop.
“I’ve never struck these sort of rainfall events, not necessarily big ones, but just one after the other,” he said.
“There’s been trouble getting onto paddocks to apply fungicide. All this humidity and rain has created a pristine environment for a lot of fungal infections in crops.
“You’ll hear spray plane going over each day trying to put fungicide on susceptible crops. It has nearly been a losing battle in some cases because there’s so much humidity and moisture coming out of the ground as well.
“Under normal circumstances, in another 10 or so days, everyone would be starting to windrow their canola crop but the paddocks are so wet you just can’t get a windrower on to do it. A lot of those canola crops will now have to be direct headed with a header and that creates a few challenges itself.
“The other big challenge is people usually start cutting hay now. However, being so cool and wet, that any hay, if you could get on the paddock and cut it, won't dry.”
Mr Sargood said the situation could turn around with some windy, warm weather, however, most weather experts were suggesting otherwise.
“There’s another 25mm plus forecast for this weekend and all the forecasts are still saying wetter than average conditions between now and Christmas,” he said
“Every single farm operation will be challenging this year and harvest will likely be delayed significantly.
“The Murray River has been flooding now for over three months in this stretch of the river. Everything under will be dead now causing a significant cost for riparian landholders.
“That water is now starting to head towards Echuca and all those places and is going to contribute to the massive flooding their having down there with water coming from the Goulburn and other rivers.
“It’s a frustrating and emotional time for farmers. There’s the potential for a few long faces this season. We are just at the mercy of the weather.”