STROUD was so badly affected by the storm cell which hit the area on April 21, there has been an estimated $1 million-plus damage to the showground alone.
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A number of houses were completely inundated by water and may have to be demolished.
The showground was hit by floodwaters with more than two metres of covering the pool, playground, tennis courts, pony club grounds, centre ring and buildings.
Local councillor and Booral resident Karen Hutchinson said the town’s residents had never seen anything like it.
“The water came down Mill Brook and Mill Creek and rose so quickly it almost created a wave,” she said.
“It was fast flowing and silent, even at Gorton’s crossing.
“We are so lucky it didn’t pour up near Monkerai as it [the water level] would have been a lot higher.
“Great Lakes Council is waiting for the insurance company to get back to us as many of the buildings have been pushed back on their foundations, and in some cases, walls missing.
“The chook pavilion was washed away and the tennis clubhouse collapsed so it had to be demolished during a recent working bee.
“All the electrical work at the pool has been damaged. The pool itself appears to be okay, but still has to be checked.”
The four tennis courts are also severely damaged and the nearby playground equipment is damaged almost beyond repair.
Nicki Jones who is also involved in the show, brickthrowing and pony club said half the pony club fence has gone.
“The fence cost around $7000 and was only put up about four to five years ago,” she said.
“There is no power to the ground as every electrical box was damaged and will need to be rewired.
“The bar was trashed and had to be demolished and all the pavilions have had water through them.
“A wall belonging to the kitchen near the grandstand was completely washed away. It was only installed just over 12 months ago and it was completely under water.
“The same with the new secretary’s office, it will have to be replaced too.”
Organisers are still going ahead with the brickthrowing on July 4 – except it will be rubber chooks flying through the air not bricks and rolling pins.
“The procession will still take place but the event will be held near the RSL rotunda,” Cr Hutchinson said.
“The United Ford car club have organised a show and shine and 200 cars are expected to come along.
“We will close the streets around there off and there will be plenty of market stalls and activities for both young and old.
“It will still be a great day.”
