Thursday, 7 March 2024

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (18:02): (778) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water. Can the minister please advise who is the lead authority responsible for the maintaining and clearing and the health of Bendigo Creek and Back Creek, which run through Huntly near Bendigo? Huntly residents who have been repeatedly flooded have been handballed from one authority to another without any work being done. This buck-passing has left residents feeling frustrated and distressed. They want to ensure that works are done to remove sediment and clean out the creek to reduce the impact of further devastating floods in the Huntly area.

Huntly resident Mick Allen wants Back Creek cleared so property is not flooded when it rains. Mr Allen recently contacted the City of Greater Bendigo and the North Central Catchment Management Authority, but they both referred him to the state government. But when the Bendigo Advertiser contacted the department they were told that the City of Greater Bendigo manages Back Creek. This constant handballing of responsibility means that no works are getting done. It is not addressing the problem, and the local community continue to experience repeated flooding. Long-term residents say Back Creek has flooded seven times since 2010.

I draw the minister’s attention to her answer to my question on 7 March last year, exactly 12 months ago today, regarding major issues with the flood levee along Bendigo Creek. The minister then advised that the City of Greater Bendigo had received funding to progress detailed designs for the Bendigo Creek levee, as well as cultural heritage management plans and vegetation, geotechnical and soil contamination assessments. This work was due to be completed in early 2024. Well, it is now early 2024, and there is an urgent need for this work to be finalised as soon as possible. I would appreciate the minister’s update on this work and advice as to who is the lead authority for the Bendigo Creek and Back Creek in Huntly to ensure that works are done to prevent further flooding.