Overview
As we continue to recover from the October 2022 Floods, there are still some areas across Murrindindi Shire that are closed to the public due to unsafe conditions.
For your safety, fences and signage have been placed to prevent public access. We have noticed people ignoring these warnings and entering dangerous areas. We acknowledge that most people are doing the right thing but would like to remind everyone of the dangers of entering closed off areas.
Changed conditions due to the recent floods, could mean damage to the integrity of riverbanks, logs, branches and other debris lying beneath the surface of our waterways, or increased risk of illness due to stagnant flood water and bacterial diseases.
For your safety and the safety of emergency services, please avoid impacted or closed areas. Council and public authorities will be increasing surveillance in high-risk areas and people who ignore signage and safety fences risk receiving an on-the-spot fine.
The road network has suffered significant damage with large potholes and sections of road badly impacted. Crews are prioritising high volume roads and areas where damage is a safety issue.
The following roads are currently closed:
- Acheron Way
- Breakaway Road, Acheron (partial closure at Breakaway Bridge - Breakaway Bridge remains closed, however access is available to properties and businesses on Breakaway Road via Hobans Road and Acheron Road, including Twin Rivers Caravan Park and Rennies at Acheron).
- Snobs Creek Road, Thornton
Please do not drive through road closed signs. These signs are in place as we are unsure of the condition and safety of the road.
Ensure you drive to the conditions of the road as they may be damaged by water.
Real-time traffic conditions are available online at the VicRoads website or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
Please report road issues to Council (if it is a Council-managed road) by calling (03) 5772 0333.
For issues relating to roads managed by VicRoads, please call 13 11 70. For a list of roads in Murrindindi Shire that are managed by VicRoads, click here.
Closed bridges
The following bridges are currently closed:
- Breakaway Bridge, Acheron (access is available to properties and businesses on Breakaway Road via Hobans Road and Acheron Road, including Twin Rivers Caravan Park and Rennies at Acheron).
The following areas have a temporary bridge in place to allow for local light vehicle access:
- Forest Road, Flowerdale
- Nashs Road, Yea
A number of National Parks, State Forests and Reserves within Murrindindi Shire remain closed or have restrictions in place for camping or visiting.
Below are the main parks affected in the 2022 flood and storm events.
For more information on restrictions in State Forests and road closures visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au or call the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) on 136 186.
Where closures are not in place, remain cautious of changing weather conditions and the impact these can have on tracks, roads, river crossings and trees.
Cathedral Range State Park
Walking tracks and campgrounds within the Cathedral Range State Park were impacted by significant amounts of treefall. Parks Victoria is worked on clearing fallen trees to enable the Park to fully reopen.
The Cathedral Range State Park has now reopened.
- Cerberus Road (on the southern approach) is open but in a very poor condition. It is accessible only by high clearance all wheel drive vehicles. Unsuitable for two wheel drives and low clearance vehicles.
For the latest advice on park closures and impacts, click here.
Kinglake National Park
Kinglake National Park was heavily impacted by the October 2022 floods, with four creek crossings washed away or damaged by floodwaters and large landslips occurring at Brock Tk and on Road 56 in the Silver Creek area (near Flowerdale). All areas have reopened except a partial closure of the Silver Creek Buffer Area Walking Track.
For the latest advice on park closures and impacts, click here.
Lake Eildon National Park
For the latest advice on trail closures, click here.
Lady Talbot Drive (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Open from Marysville to the Beeches. Keppel Falls, Taggerty Cascades and Beeches Picnic Ground now accessible.
Closed between the Beeches and Upper Taggerty Road. Phantom Falls is still closed at this stage.
To stay up to date with closures, including seasonal trail closures, visit the Parks Victoria website.
Last updated 18 August 2023
The Yea Wetlands reopened on 29 July.
The Yea Wetlands, a significant tourist destination for Yea and an important asset for our local community, was significantly impacted by the October 2022 flood event.
Following the latest inspection, Council could confirm that the wetlands were safe to reopen.
When you visit, please be mindful that some pathways may be a bit slippery due to recent wet weather and a build-up of leaf litter. This may limit accessibility for prams and wheelchairs until all the pathways have been resurfaced. While most of the wetlands have been reopened, a section of damaged boardwalk remains closed. Over the coming weeks works will continue in the wetlands to resurface the pathways and rebuild the damaged boardwalk.
Murrindindi Shire Council would like to acknowledge the financial contribution of the Victorian State Government in completing this important work.
Last updated 30 July 2023
Breakaway Bridge suffered significant damage during the October 2022 Floods and remains closed (however access is available to properties and businesses on either side of the Bridge, including Twin Rivers Caravan Park and Rennies at Acheron).
We recognise the significant impact of the damage and closure of Breakaway Bridge on the Acheron community and directly impacted residents.
To date, the following work has occurred:
- significant debris removal that had washed up against Breakaway Bridge (over 600 cubic metres of material removed)
- re-stabilisation of embankments either side of the bridge to minimise further erosion
- bridge deck assessment
- structural assessment
Structural engineers have undertaken further detailed assessments of the Breakaway Bridge. Further updates will be communicated, detailing the extent of the impact, our plans for community consultation, and timelines.
Murrindindi Shire Council, Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the State Government continue to work together to restore access to residents and will ensure local community members are involved in deciding the future of the bridge.
Recent updates for the Acheron community are below:
Last updated 29 September 2023
Molesworth-Dropmore Road is now open following emergency works to restore access, after a drain (culvert) was completely washed out during the flood.
The roadway will be closed again at a later date for full culvert replacement. We will keep the community updated as we have more information to share about these works.
Whanregarwen Road suffered significant damage from the floods, but remains open.
To date, we have:
- carried out initial assessments of the damage to the road
- completed temporary rectification works on the road to allow safe travel for motorists
Further assessments and repair works are required. We will keep the community updated as we have more information to share about repair works.
The Thornton township experienced significant damage to both private properties, with some residents experiencing over floor flooding, and public infrastructure.
The installation of the two stormwater backflow prevention devices in Thornton has been completed.
Following the October 2022 floods, and in consultation with the local community, Council installed two custom backflow prevention devices on the two stormwater outflow pipes that empty into the waterway on Taggerty-Thornton Road.
During periods of low water levels, these devices, also known as reflux valves or flap gates, allow the drains to function normally. Once water levels in the creek rise above the level of the drains, the devices prevent the back flow of water into the stormwater system.
Once the water levels recede in the creek, we will place more rock beaching around the valves to prevent erosion.
Last updated 24 July 2023
While the Great Victorian Rail Trail remains open, there is significant damage and washouts along the Trail.
Rehabilitation and stabilisation works are underway and there is a significant amount of debris that needs clearing, including on Spring Creek Bridge.
We are working to repair the damage as quickly as possible.
There is damage and large washouts along the Flowerdale Walking Track in Flowerdale.
To date, an initial inspection has been completed, with further assessments required before repair works occur.