At the beginning of July, heavy rainfall in East Gippsland led to flooding, which has subsequently caused more than $4.85 million in damage.
At least 150 farms were affected and losses include about 100 stock, at least 20km of boundary fencing, about 40 tonnes of stored fodder, 40ha of crop, two farm sheds and four irrigation pumps.
Crop losses along the Lindenow flats amount to about $1 million.
Supermarkets are expected to face a baby leaf shortage due to the damage, which could last for more than a month.
Bairnsdale apple grower Reg Baldwin said his property, which is located on the banks of the Mitchell River, managed to survive the flood with minimal damage.
“We have picked most of our apples and therefore didn’t suffer a huge loss,” Mr Baldwin said.
“But we could still get another flood,”
East Gippsland Shire chief executive Gary Gaffney said shire staff and contractors began clean-up operations and assessments at the weekend as the water subsided.
“While there is no significant impact to our major assets, there is extensive damage to infrastructure such as roads, fencing, signage and walking paths that will take months to rectify,” Mr Gaffney said.
