Progress report shows strong recovery from October 2022 flood event

The October 2022 flood event impacted a significant number of residential properties, businesses and farms. Local properties, waterways, parks and roadways suffered considerable damage, as did several key civic assets.

Post the October 2022 flood event, Council received funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and Local Government Victoria (LGV) for coordinating flood recovery in Greater Shepparton. Over 100 recovery-focused actions were identified in the plan, including a mix of short, medium, and long-term actions. The recovery program focused on built, economic, natural environment and social outcomes, and has adapted based on community-led recovery efforts.

Achievements against the plan are a result of collaborative partnerships with local and state-wide agencies that have a designated role in recovery, along with impacted communities. Engagement with impacted communities will continue as part of the routine work of Council, particularly in the areas of emergency management and community wellbeing.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the report demonstrates the scale of the recovery effort and the importance of community-led solutions.

“The October 2022 flood was one of the most challenging events our community has faced in recent history. Since then, we have worked closely with residents, recovery committees and agencies to not only rebuild, but also prepare for the future,” he said.

“This progress report shows the real difference that collaboration, resilience and community spirit can make during times of recovery.”

Key achievements outlined in the report include:

Built environment:
- Completion of remediation works on 100 kilometres of sealed and 200 kilometres of unsealed Council roads.
- Delivery of the Lenne Street/Howe Street drainage upgrade in Mooroopna, reducing future flood impacts.
- Removal of more than 13,500 tonnes of flood-affected waste with the help of ERV, Disaster Relief Australia and local community groups.
Social environment:
- More than 1,100 visits to the Council-led recovery hub, later expanded into outreach services.
- Formation of Community Recovery Committees in Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Murchison and Undera to ensure locally led recovery.
- Delivery of ‘Resilience in Recovery’ community activities including BBQs, comedy nights, and neighbourhood gatherings.
Natural environment:
- Remediation of Goulburn Riverbank slippage in partnership with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
- Restoration and revegetation projects using indigenous plant species.
- Cultural heritage surveys and cultural burns of flood-impacted areas.
Economic environment:
- Hosting of the Business Big Ideas Festival and the annual Harvest Ball, both focused on flood recovery and mental health.
- Immediate recovery support events such as the Emerge Festival and Fryers Street Food Festival.
- Linking impacted primary producers and rural landholders to available grants and assistance programs.

Another significant milestone has been the development of Community Emergency Management Plans in Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Murchison and Undera, empowering residents to strengthen local preparedness, response and recovery capacity.

State-funded flood recovery programs will conclude in December 2025, with most actions from the plan now either complete or embedded into Council’s ongoing work.

“Recovery is not just about fixing what was damaged, it is about ensuring our community is stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” Cr Sali said.

“I want to thank everyone who has played a role in this recovery, from government partners and local agencies to community groups and volunteers. This has truly been a team effort.”

View the full Greater Shepparton Municipal Recovery and Resilience Plan 2023–25 Progress Report in the August 2025 Council Meeting Agenda.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.