Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Flood recovery

Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (16:10): I rise to acknowledge the first anniversary of the floods that impacted so much of my region in October 2022. The devastation on the Goulburn commenced on 13 October, impacting communities in the upper catchment in the early hours of the morning with absolutely no warning. The town of Seymour also suffered shocking damage as the Goulburn rose to its highest levels in almost 50 years. The following day the Campaspe River, which is Victoria’s fastest rising river, almost destroyed the town of Rochester, with around 90 per cent of the town’s homes suffering inundation. That day residents downstream of Seymour were busy preparing for the water that was coming their way. Greater Shepparton knows that once floodwaters hit Seymour we have around two days, as the water winds its way through Nagambie, until it hits us. Sandbagging began in Murchison, Toolamba, Mooroopna and Shepparton in a bid to hold back the water, which came at a level that many residents had never seen in their lifetime. Once again, the bars on Loch Garry failed to be removed, which caused the loch’s levee banks to breach, devastating the surrounding Bunbartha and Kaarimba area. The water continued on through Echuca and down the Murray for weeks, impacting all Murray River communities.

The impact of the floods has had far-reaching and ongoing effects on individuals, businesses, social groups and Victoria as a whole. Many residents are still displaced from their homes, with many still living in caravans. These Victorians are in need of assistance from government, which has so far been inadequate and slow to come. The Allan government must step up and deliver ongoing support to assist flood-affected residents and communities to recover and rebuild.