Southwest Victorian dairy farmer loses bridge in floods

Mick Finnigan said in his 40 years on the farm he had never seen the level of floods that hit the region on the weekend.

He said the 75 millimetres of rain that hit Toolong resulted in the Moyne River overflowing and washing away Finnigans Bridge near Spencer Road.

"I've been here 40 years and it's the first time the water level has actually exceeded the bridge," he said.

"We use it to bring cattle across the river to the 160 acres of land on the other side," he said.

"The bridge is the only access point to get across to the milking ground on that section of the property. Now (the bridge) is just floating down the river."

Mr Finnigan said he would now have to walk his cows up a busy section of road to access the milking ground.

"That's going to annoy everyone but they can't really stop me from making my livelihood," he said.

He said he had contacted Moyne Shire and would further communicate with authorities in the coming week, including VicRoads and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr Finnigan estimated the damage bill to be in excess of $150,000.

"I guess it is just one of those things but it certainly has affected my business. I'm not sure I should be wearing all of the costs," he said.

"Never before in my lifetime have I seen something like this. It's quite incredible."