Emergency teams praised after Lorne flood

Emergency services and local community members have been praised for their swift response during Lorne’s sudden flash flood, which saw an unprecedented 180mm of rain fall in just six hours.

At a Surf Coast Shire community meeting at Stribling Reserve on Friday, Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) chief officer of operations, Alistair Drayton, confirmed the seriousness of the event – and the incredible outcome that no lives were lost.

“This was an incredibly dynamic event,” Drayton said.

“My greatest fear yesterday was we’d be dealing with tragedy. But remarkably, no lives were lost – only one minor injury.”

The meeting provided critical updates for residents, visitors and property owners impacted by flooding across Lorne, Wye River and surrounds.

The Cumberland River Caravan Park was the most severely damaged, with cars overturned in the park and lodged under the bridge, significant silt build-up across the grounds, and the main residence pushed off its stumps.

“The park remains closed and inaccessible,” Drayton said.

“Recovery will take time, and they don’t expect to reopen before February.”

At Erskine River Caravan Park, the damage was less significant, and many occupants have already been contacted to collect personal items.

Shire chief executive Robyn Seymour confirmed the shire was leading local clean-up efforts alongside VicRoads, the Department of Transport and Planning, and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

 

Crews have started road inspections and clean-up around the Foodworks car park, Allenvale Road and Erskine Falls Road.

The Cumberland River Bridge remains closed due to structural concerns, including a sinkhole. Concrete was scheduled to be poured this evening, and the bridge will remain closed overnight for curing and safety inspections.

Residents unable to return home were offered emergency accommodation or free transport to Geelong.

A dedicated flood recovery page has been launched on the Surf Coast Shire website at surfcoast.vic.gov.au with regular updates and contacts.

Drayton urged those impacted to ensure their contact details are registered with caravan park operators for updates.