The committee for the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria shared its final report. Photo: Megan Fisher
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Megan Fisher
The Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria committee released its final report on Tuesday, July 30.
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The report provides 90 findings, with 73 recommendations for the Victorian Government to adopt. These address the event itself, Victoria’s flood governance arrangements, planning and flood risk, flood mitigation infrastructure, flood emergency warnings, resourcing and response of the Victoria State Emergency Service, and flood recovery.
Each of these issues has a dedicated chapter in the report, accompanied by public submissions, with 880 in total provided to the committee.
Of these public submissions, 608 came from northern Victoria, including 344 from Rochester residents.
The majority of references to Rochester are centred on the flood mitigation infrastructure, and resourcing and response of the Victoria State Emergency Service chapters.
On the whole, the committee found there was inadequate VICSES support, marred by volunteer shortages and resourcing issues.
Residents, including state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, at a flood submissions workshop at Rochester Secondary College in June 2023. Photo: Supplied
In their submissions, many Rochy residents acknowledged the work of CFA volunteers who stepped up during the floods, where other agencies did not provide adequate support.
The report also includes the address Rochester Secondary College school captain Tara Atley made to the Victorian Legislative Council during its sitting in Echuca on April 18 this year.
“Whether you live in a house, a caravan or a shed, whether enduring losses of pets, livestock or property, Rochester collectively continues its recovery process,” she said.
“In various natural disasters, such as the October floods and the bushfires across Australia, the media typically highlights the initial crisis.
“We understand that the reconstruction process is not always as newsworthy, but we live it every day.”
Key recommendations in the report relate to the raising of flood-affected homes, flood warning system improvements, investigating the outlet capacity at Lake Eppalock, piloting of ring levees in northern Victoria, the development of a new Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy and supporting flood-affected areas to be insured.
The Victorian Government has six months to respond to the report, and will address the recommendations in writing.
Campaspe Shire Council welcomed the report, sharing it was reviewing the findings and recommendations and how they impacted the region.
“We are pleased that the inquiry has been taken seriously and that our concerns are being addressed. The report is extensive, with numerous findings and recommendations,” Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said.
“We are currently in the process of thoroughly reviewing the report and will be consulting with our stakeholders to collectively discuss and analyse the recommendations, noting that the Victorian Government has six months to respond.
“Our focus is on the recommendations specific to our region, as well as those related to general operations and statewide responses.”
Cr Amos emphasised the work council was doing through its flood studies and its commitment to flood recovery services, such as the Recovery Hub.
“Our infrastructure team is currently working on both the Rochester Flood Study and Mitigation Plan and the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study and Risk Management Plan Project, aiming to enhance our understanding of flood risks and mitigation strategies in our municipality,” he said.
“We recognise the fatigue and ongoing mental health challenges faced by our residents impacted by the floods, and acknowledge the need for continued support and attention to these issues.
“We remain committed to working alongside the community to continue providing and advocating for further recovery programs and services.”
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