Agriculture Victoria has issued a warning to watch out for flash flooding

Fire-affected landholders in hilly and mountainous terrain are being encouraged to check catchment areas and to prepare for possible erosion.

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Central and East Gippsland Agriculture Recovery Manager Keren Walker said it was important for farmers to be aware of the possibility of increased run-off, due to a combination of heavy rainfall, bare ground, water-repellent soils and steep slopes.

"Landholders need to look at catchments above key water supplies and assess whether they may need to put up sediment fencing to protect their dams or waterways from erosion and debris," Ms Walker said.

Livestock farmers with flood-prone paddocks should ensure they have a plan to keep livestock safe.

Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer Jeff Cave said livestock would naturally keep moving to higher ground, if they had clear access and the appropriate gates were open.

"The problems occur when they run out of higher ground and they haven't got anywhere else to go," Dr Cave said.

"It really takes good planning on behalf of the owner to avoid this problem."

A flood plan should clearly identify:

A safe place for livestock, usually the highest areas of the property away from water sources and flood plains.

A source of supplementary food and water in an area least likely to flood.

Identification of multiple evacuation routes from the property.

Farmers should discuss their flood plan with other members of the family, record it, and practice it.

Landholders are also being urged to listen to weather warnings and be prepared to implement their flood plans at the appropriate time.

For more information on how to build a sediment fence, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farmmanagement/emergency-management/bushfires/bushfire-factsheets-and-resources.

For a guide to preparing an emergency checklist and plan, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farmmanagement/emergency-management/floods/how-to-prepare-for-flood

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