Residents of Northern Victoria have been let down by The Allan Labor Government’s response to the 2022 flood inquiry.
Described as ‘woefully inadequate’, the response was slammed by Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, and The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, who said that it was disrespectful to residents, and had left them feeling unheard.
“Jacinta Allan does not care about what the people of Northern Victoria faced, nor does she care about fixing the issues,” Mr McCurdy said.
“All the Government could muster was lukewarm support for important reforms that are needed to keep locals safe.”
Ms Broad, a member of the committee that conducted the inquiry, heard first-hand the stories of the flood affected residents.
“Their stories were heart-breaking and traumatic and there are still 200 residents in Rochester whose homes are uninhabitable,” Ms Broad said.
The final report for the inquiry was released in July 2024. It made 73 recommendations.
The Government has released its formal response, supporting a paltry 16 recommendations in full. 43 were supported in principle, six in part, six are under review and two are not supported.
“The inquiry was extensive, and we expected the Government to take swift action on the committee’s recommendations,” Ms Broad said.
“Instead, the report reflects further delays, with excuses ranging from further reviews, ‘exploring options’, new plans ‘being developed’, a ‘multifaceted approach’ and ‘assessment of options’.
“Regional communities devastated by floods have waited long enough and deserve action.”
Ms Broad said key areas of concern included the government’s failure to commit to repairing and upgrading levee banks, and the fact that the Victorian Government won’t pay to retrofit or raise houses in flood-prone areas.
The Allan Labor Government did not apply for federal funding that helped residents in NSW and Queensland to receive grants of up to $150,000 to elevate their homes.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shadow Minister for Water: Noah Barling 0411 427 064
Member for Northern Victoria: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
