Wellington Shire Council is home to the Thomson, Macalister, Avon, Latrobe, Albert, Tarra and Mitchell Rivers, Merrimans Creek and the Gippsland Lakes.  The Thomson Reservoir, Glenmaggie Weir and Cowwarr Weir are located in the Thomson / Macalister rivers and can impact flooding in areas below the reservoirs.

Weather systems commonly referred to as east coast lows can produce heavy rainfall on frequent occasions which can lead to minor riverine flooding with major flood events in both the rivers and lakes occurring more rarely.

For example, during June 2007, four major east coast lows occurred in succession with each one producing heavy rainfall.  The last east coast low brought up to 300mm of rainfall resulting in major riverine flooding across the Council area and the Gippsland Lakes rising 1.3m above normal levels.

A significant risk is isolation of communities, vehicles and recreational visitors through the area when rivers and creeks rise making roads impassable.

Households and businesses should refer to their Local Flood Guide or East Gippsland Shire Flood Emergency Plan for more information.

What is the Gippsland Lakes Flood Warning System?

Until recently, there was no way to measure the depth of water in the Gippsland Lakes in a way that would help predict floods. This meant that it was not possible to warn people of the possible impacts of flooding. Height gauges have now been installed in five locations on the Gippsland Lakes at Metung, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Hollands Landing and Loch Sport. These gauges give information to the Bureau of Meteorology about changes in lake height. The Bureau combines this information with data about river flows, wind and tide heights to make predictions about possible flooding in the Gippsland Lakes.