The interim report on the State Upper House’s committee Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria was tabled at the regional Parliamentary sitting in Victoria yesterday, revealing some alarming findings.
The report focused on flood recovery in Northern Victoria and highlighted significant shortcomings in the Allan Labor Government’s response and recovery efforts for flood impacted Victorians.
The report found the complex processes involved in accessing financial aid for flood recovery intensified the suffering of numerous individuals, businesses, and communities.
Complexities and delays discouraged some from applying, while others found that the aid available did not meet their actual needs.
There is a pressing demand for timely insurance processing to ease financial strain. The broader issues of housing availability, affordability and suitability in the region created additional distress in housing flood affected people.
Tim McCurdy, the Shadow Minister for Water, criticised the Allan Government for its slow response, noting that many communities are still waiting for appropriate support 18 months on from the floods.
“Regional communities continue to miss out on the funding required to upgrade local infrastructure, making vital improvements that could help prevent severe infrastructure damage and save lives in a future flood event,” Mr McCurdy said.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad spoke on the issue as part of the regional sitting. Ms Broad is a member of the committee undertaking the inquiry.
“The committee received 880 submissions, and we held public hearings in Rochester, Echuca, Seymour and Mooroopna as well as Melbourne, but we know that the impacts of these floods were felt right across the state, across 63 local government areas,” Ms Broad said.
“This year the Premier signed a contract for the Suburban Rail Loop, a project that will cost Victorian taxpayers up to $200 billion, yet 18 months on from the floods residents in Rochester are still living in sheds and caravans.
“It is time Victoria looks to the example of states like Queensland and builds back better to ensure that we are better prepared for disasters in future.
“I want to see these priorities reflected in the coming state budget.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au