Eastern parts of Australia has been inundated with heavy rainfall causing flooding across NSW and parts of Victoria. In NSW, flood damage across Moree, Walgett and Narrabi has caused crop losses with an estimated value up to $192m. Nine major flood warnings are in place across the state with a third major flood expected in northern NSW as the weather system tracks south with up to 300mm  forecast. Most areas in the northern rivers have received more than 100mm rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is warning heavy rainfalls could spread even further than the eastern states. In Victoria, the weather forecaster says predicted rainfall in the coming week could result in Victoria experiencing its wettest October on record. BoM said a winter weather system approaching Victoria was of equal concern, as the system was expected to combine with further tropical moisture to bring widespread rainfall. The Loddon River in Victoria’s north peaked over the weekend while the Murray River continued to rise.

The Victorian government announced a $19.5m package for Victorian farmers who have had their income affected by recent flooding events, with a one-off direct payments of $10,000 to primary producers to support clean up and reestablishment.