EMERGENCY services met with the Donald community on Friday as flood water continued to rise.

It came after Premier Daniel Andrews announced assistance grants would be available for Buloke Shire residents.

The Richardson River started flowing over Camp Street in Donald on Friday.

Donald’s Harold Flett said the water was running across the low-lying road.

“We had a community meeting with the State Emergency Services and they gave us some information about the river heights at the Rich Avon Weir and south of Donald,” he said.

“I don't think there is going to be any real problems unless it rains another two inches.”

Mr Flett said some businesses in town had started sandbagging.

“The motel received three feet of water during floods last time around, so they have sandbags set up,” he said.

The town experienced floods in September 2010, December 2010 and a major flood in January 2011.

Mr Flett said the previous experience with floods meant many residents were more prepared.

“Or more anxious,” he said.

“However, we have more flood height data now so we can see exactly where the river is at.

“I’ve looked at the Rich Avon Weir figures and it looks like it hasn’t risen in about six to seven hours.

“It could even be dropping.”

Mr Flett said the town had 84 millimetres of rain between September 8 and Thursday.

“We aren’t panicked yet and my thoughts are that the water is not going to get up at this stage.”

Mr Andrews announced the new grants while visiting Charlton on Friday. 

“These grants provide assistance to people whose homes have been flood damaged so that they can clean-up their properties and replace damaged contents,” he said.

Mr Andrews said the state government was closely monitoring the flood situation and that assistance would be extended to other areas if required.