New minister inspects flood damage in Vic

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan has inspected flood damage in northwest Victoria on his
first day of official duties.
Mr Ryan, who was sworn in as police and emergency services minister on Thursday,
flew to Kerang where he was briefed by emergency services chiefs on the floods.
Twenty-two homes were inundated at Campbells Creek and Charlton after a massive
weekend downpour, and there is more rain on the way.
State Emergency Service spokesman Stan Hendy said the floodwaters were expected to
peak mid next week but it was unknown how high they would get.
"At this stage we can't put a definite figure on it, but it's definitely going to be
higher than September," Mr Hendy said at the briefing.
Mr Ryan and Water and Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh flew over some of the worst
affected areas before touring flood zones at Durham Ox and Boort by car.
So far 50 hardship grants have been issued but that is expected to increase to 80.