An estimated $4 million worth of damage has been caused to roads, bridges and public assets alone.

The damage bill does not take private insurance claims and figures into account.

The shire now relies on government assistance as part of the Victorian Flood Taskforce project.

Hepburn Shire mayor Janine Booth said help was desperately needed from the Victorian government in the relief effort.

''We clearly need assistance to help repair the extensive damage to our infrastructure,'' she said.

She said the flood damage in Creswick and Clunes was the most severe across the state, with the highest number of businesses and homes affected.

At least 26 households in Creswick and nine in Clunes remain unlivable.

Thirty kilometres of road have been damaged and up to eight minor bridges may need recovery works.

''We also need help to manage what is going to be a complex recovery period, particularly as so many of our residents and business owners have been so badly affected,'' Cr Booth said.

A spokeswoman from the Insurance Council of Australia said the statewide damage to private homes and businesses had reached $20 million.

Up to 5000 claims have been made across the state, but localised figures will remain unavailable for some time.

Creswick Ward councillor Don Henderson said it was crucial to reach an accurate estimate of the cost.