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It has been a year since floodwater ravaged parts of the Goulburn and Murray valleys.

The water may have receeded, but the recovery process could amount to years and, for some, maybe never.

During February and March 2012, community spirit was overwhelming after up to 300mm of rainfall was recorded, causing river and creek levels to rise and severe flooding.

Tallygaroopna and Congupna were the first towns hit.

From there water moved towards Katamatite and then to Numurkah, Nathalia, Picola and Barmah.

The News was there to capture it all — from air, land and water.

After endless community meetings and an independent review of the floods in north-east Victoria, it was found ineffective communication, management and preparation led to unnecessary flooding of towns — with Numurkah identified as the most affected.

This week, Moira Shire flood recovery manager David Booth said flood works across the municipality were ahead of schedule.

He said more than $40million of damage to local infrastructure was caused, but restoration of community infrastructure was almost complete.

Examples of this are the reconstruction of six Numurkah netball courts and surrounding area, internal track resurfacing and replacement of perimeter fencing at Numurkah Showgrounds, Numurkah fountain replacement and works to the Numurkah Tennis-Croquet Club and road resurfacing.

Residents took advantage of the Community Resilience Funding Program, funded by the Victorian Government.

The aim of this program was to support communities coming together and sharing each other’s company after a difficult year.

Water Technology Pty Ltd was last month appointed to complete the Numurkah Flood Study.

This is expected to provide a comprehensive management plan to minimise flood risk, and should be completed by December.

A Greater Shepparton City Council spokesman said flood plans were being updated.

‘‘Council’s role was ensuring our residents had somewhere to live,’’ he said.

The spokesman said flood recovery in Greater Shepparton was continuing, adding that some damage to roads would appear well after the flood.

●For more coverage on the flood anniversary, grab a copy of today’s News.