The authority has been supplying critical forecasting information for SES crews over the past week, as well as beginning the significant tasks of assessing flood damage across the region.

Mr Riddiford said that while the final advice regarding flood forecasting was released by the Bureau of Meteorology and the SES, the North East CMA had been making preliminary assessments of the potential impact of further rainfall due later today and tomorrow.

“The bureau has forecast 30 to 55 millimetres of rain over the two days,” he said.

“If it is at the lower range, then the rate of recession of the flood waters will be reduced, but they will not increase.

“However if it is at the higher level then the fall will stall or levels could potentially rise.”

Mr Riddiford said last weekend Yackandandah Creek recorded the highest flood flows since records began in 1967, while flows in 15 Mile Creek, near Wangaratta, were the second highest on record.

“The flood diversion channel at Yackandandah near the freeway has been working well, relieving the pressure on the southern and western part of the city,” he said.

Mr Riddiford said aerial surveillance of the Myrtleford area on Sunday confirmed the success of a similar channel protecting the town’s business centre.

He said further aerial surveillance of the region by the authority would conclude today, completing observations of Yackandandah Creek, One Mile and 15 Mile Creeks, Buckland River, Harrietville and upper 15 Mile Creek, aimed at determining peak flows and assisting in future planning.

The North East CMA will complete damage assessment across the catchment later this week, initiating an appropriate response to flood damage on river systems once the waters reside, including critical emergency river works at Wangaratta, on the Buffalo River and near Mt Beauty, as well as where rivers were leaving their normal course or where major blockages had occurred.

The authority also had 25 to 30 requests from private landholders for works to address critical erosion.

Mr Riddiford said the authority would also be fast tracking appropriate planning permits that would address catchment problems such as the removal of debris.