While there has been limited “over the floor” flooding of homes and retail premises, mayor Bill Hill said there had been significant damage to council infrastructure including roads and drains in rural and urban areas.

The city’s sporting and community infrastructure, located within the floodway, has also been damaged by the floods.

“Initiatives introduced after the 1993 flood, particularly the FloodSafe Community Education Program and the early warning system, appear to have worked,” Cr Hill said.

Cr Hill said rural areas were hit hard by the flooding and the significant rainfall on Friday and Saturday.

“I acknowledge the efforts of council staff and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly over the weekend to protect people and property,” he said.

A community meeting will be held at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre today at 11am.

The meeting would provide up-to-date information on flooding in the city.

A flood recovery centre has been established at the city’s civic centre in Fawckner Drive, the centre is open from 9am to 8pm.