Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:53): My constituency question is for the Minister for Water on behalf of flood-affected residents of Junortoun. Recently I visited local residents who have been badly impacted by floodwaters 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. Locals are concerned that poor infrastructure planning is 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.