SEVERAL towns across the Ballarat region have experienced flash flooding with many residents forced to evacuate their homes.
Creswick has been one of the hardest hit and an emergency centre has been established for residents.
Residents were evacuated from the Creswick Motel and the Creswick Caravan Park — many being carried out on the back of a fire truck as floodwaters rose.
In Brown Hill, The Courier has been told residents are trapped by rising floodwaters near Ditchfield Lane, due to the rising Yarrowee River.
Resident Wally Coles said the water was getting high in Reed Street and it was believed to be flooded back from Ditchfield to Springs Road.
On the roads, there is water over the Western Highway on both sides of Beaufort, which is up to 30mm deep in some parts.
At Newlyn, water is also rising over the roads, while some parts of the Midland Highway at Springmount are under water.
Residents in Creek Street, Miners Rest, are surrounded by floodwaters, which are expected to rise another 20mm.
Deborah Hausler told The Courier her house, which was built up from the road, was like an island with the nearby creek overflowing.
''It's usually a narrow creek but it's so much wider and we're surrounded by water,'' she said.
''We're not threatened at the moment but the (State Emergency Service) have given us the option of fleeing the house but we've chosen to stay.''
She said the SES had delivered bags to the residents, with sand on the way to fill them.
Meanwhile, Central Highlands Water have told people to ignore a text warning of a possible breach in Ballarat's drinking water.
The text message has been forwarded around town today telling people heavy rain and floods had damaged a sewerage treatment plant, causing a leak into town drinking water.
A spokeswoman has confirmed the text is merely a hoax.
"There is absolutely to contamination, no breach, no problem," she said.
If people do have concerns they are being urged to call 13 WATER.
The message from emergency service at present is to avoid driving.
The State Emergency Service is restricting traffic on one side of the road.
The SES advises people:
- Be prepared to relocate if necessary;
- Be prepared to protect your belongings, including securing outdoor items and other objects that may float, be blown away or cause damage;
- Monitor the situation closely through the emergency broadcasters;
- Farmers should move machinery and livestock to known higher ground;
- Never walk, ride or drive through floodwaters — this is the main cause of death when flooding occurs; and
- Stay inside during the storm and ensure children do the same.
The Western Highway at Middle Creek is closed, 15km west of Beaufort.
VicRoads says other roads may be affected but remain open to traffic.
Drivers should take extreme caution and avoid unncesssary travel on those roads.
VicRoads says roads may be slippery so drivers should slow down and drive to the conditions.
Drivers should use their headlights if they can’t see and leave a greater distance between their car and the one in front.
For emergency assistance call the SES on 132 500 and if your emergency is life threatening call 000.
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