Flood-wary residents left 'fighting' for their towns as government awaits review on lakes

Residents have gathered at Lake Eppalock in central Victoria, calling for the state government to release more water fearing more flooding if there is significant rain. Key points: Residents gathered for a protest at Lake Eppalock, with buckets to take water out of the lake Lake Eppalock is one of many full Victorian dams Authorities are predicting drier and warmer conditions this winter Lake Eppalock is at 98 per cent capacity, with forecast rain putting displaced Rochester residents on edge. "Residents who have lived in the region for some time will have seen the Lake Eppalock spillway activated at least 29 times since it was constructed in 1964," she said. The state government says Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon is being assessed to see if changing operating rules or infrastructure could better protect downstream communities from future flooding. "The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is conducting a technical assessment of the operating and infrastructure arrangements at Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon to determine if changing the operating rules or infrastructure could improve protection for downstream communities from future flooding," a spokesperson said.