Heavy rain forecast for parts of Central Victoria is putting local councils on an emergency footing as they brace for rising water levels and fast-running creeks.
The Murray and Campaspe rivers on the northern Victorian twin towns of Echuca and Moama have crept over the banks, leaving park areas underwater.
"If you do see water across roads, don't go driving through them," Campapse Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller said.
"We've heard the stories of past times where people don't know what's underneath the water, and then in some cases, things get washed out."
Delivery driver Perry who works across Central Victoria told ABC Breakfast presenter Fiona Parker that 'wet' was an understatement for the conditions in the region.
"The amount of water that I've seen sitting around in paddocks around Kyneton, Nulla Vale, all of those outlying areas," he said.
"I've seen rivers running down the sides of some of the back roads around Elphinstone, Taradale.
"It has been astronomical the amount of water that we've had. Never, ever have I seen water like this."
Emergency action ready to go
Ms Weller said, if the shire was flooded, the State Emergency Service would take over.
She said the council had checked its equipment, such as flood pumps, and portable flood pumps, and made sure litter traps were free.
"We know the rivers are flowing high, the dams are up high, we are expecting more rain, and later on as months go on, there'll be a snow melt, but we'd rather be prepared," Ms Weller said.
Campaspe Shire Council said if water levels continued to rise, the community would start to see warning signs or closed road signs.
Alan, another talkback caller, said the water storages at Upper Coliban and the Lauriston reservoirs were "just going over the wall" and that the Malmsbury reservoir "hasn't been filled for years".
"Years ago, when we had heavy rains where it cascades over the drops coming out over the wall. It was just a just like a river," he said.
Alan said more maintenance needed to be done to keep drains clear of mud, not just leaves, and water running.
Safety first amid tourism spike
Locals and visitors making the most of the high-water levels have led the water authority, Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), to double down on its boat safety message.
GMW is anticipating high visitation numbers over the coming weeks with a long weekend this weekend for the Queen's memorial and school holidays.
It and said most of its storage was at healthy levels due to the recent rainfall.
Ms Weller said people should reconsider camping along the banks of the rivers.
GMW's Martin Cusack said higher water levels could create strong currents, high-debris loads and changes in the river and sand bars, "which boat operators need to be prepared for".
"Boat operators should always wear personal flotation devices and always look out for hazards and other users," he said.
"Conditions can change quickly, so stay up-to-date with weather reports when heading out."
Coliban Water's water storages are at 100.97 per cent, up 0.78 per cent from yesterday.
Goulburn Murray Water reports the Murray River weirs at Yarrawonga and Torumbarry – either side of Echuca-Moama – are above 90 per cent full, while Reedy Lakes, Kangaroo Lake and Kow Swamp in northern Victoria are about 90 per cent or more.
Further south, Lake Eppalock is 76 per cent full, Cairn Curran 93 per cent, Tullaroop Reservoir 100 per cent and Laanecoorie is at 99 per cent.
