The full impact of the flood damage to Campaspe Shire's extensive road network from the recent flood events is still an unknown value.
Acting Director Infrastructure Kate Lemon said many roads across the shire remain closed and some roads are still flooded or inaccessible.
"The damage is so vast, no part of our shire is untouched, and it will take time," Ms Lemon said,
"Our staff have started initial impact road assessments, to understand the emergency works that need to be completed.
"Emergency works will focus on making the road safe and re-opening to traffic. These works will be prioritised across the coming months.
"Secondary impact assessments will then be completed while the emergency works are underway, these longer term works are likely to take up to two years to complete.
"Once we know the complexity of the works, we will be more informed about what is required, the cost of works and timeframes.
"What we know at this stage is that we have hundreds of kilometres of road damage, to cost well into the tens of millions of dollars."
Campaspe Shire manages an extensive network made up of 1,140 kilometres of sealed roads, 2,440 kilometres of gravel roads, and 550 kilometres of earth roads.
"In addition to flood damage, we have many outstanding road related maintenance requests to manage," Ms Lemon added.
"We have suspended the response timeframes in line with our Road Management Plan relating to maintenance grading through to 11 December. Any further extensions that may be required, will be advertised locally.
The community can continue to lodge service requests, either online via Council's website, by calling 1300 666 535, or in person at a customer service centre. Reporting directly to Council is critical to ensure details of the request are captured correctly.
"We are asking the community to be patient as we work through our inspections," Ms Lemon said.
"If a road is closed, please follow signs in place as the damage to a drainage culvert, or road surface may not be visible to the driver.
"While you may not see machinery on the road network in every area immediately, we are working through priorities."
