The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the Minister for Water to look into the causes of serious flooding which have seriously impacted Junortoun residents.
Ms Broad told Parliament she recently visited local residents who were badly affected by floodwaters in recent years following increased property development in the area.
“Among these residents was a 94-year-old lady who woke to ankle-deep water in her home.
“Another family spent 12 months in temporary accommodation and then a caravan on their property while their home was repaired.
“With limited drainage and blocked culverts, creeks and waterways, just 20 millimetres of rain is enough to cause flooding to existing properties.
“Several property developments have been approved by local council, with no effective flood mitigation plans, and excess water has been channelled under the McIvor Highway into Splitters Creek without consulting local residents.”
“Local residents have raised concerns that housing developments continue to expand in areas like Junortoun and Huntly despite the ongoing issues with flooding.”
Ms Broad said locals were concerned poor infrastructure planning was causing flooding and damage to private property.
“I understand that the catchment management authority intends to do a detailed flood study in Junortoun, but more developments are underway. I ask the Minister to address these issues and respond to the concerns raised by residents.”
Ms Broad said she was disappointed that this type of flooding had occurred despite the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Victorian Flood Event.
Ms Broad is a member of the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee which conducted the inquiry.
The inquiry’s report made 73 recommendations. Several of these related to property development, planning, flood risk and building resilience.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
