Greater Shepparton City Council declared the final report for the inquiry into the 2022 flood event across Victoria was a “comprehensive and balanced account” of the flooding emergency in its municipality.
Council said it was “pleased” to see the report highlight the need for better emergency support, planning and funding within communities, as well as greater co-ordination and reform for insurance.
“Local flood studies are extremely important to make sure communities are prepared for floods of any nature, including extremely damaging floods like we were faced with in 2022,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.
“It is also great to see the role of local agencies, including the SES, CFA and particularly Shepparton Search and Rescue, recognised in the final report. These agencies played a crucial role in the co-ordination of services through the peak of the flood and ensuring the community remained safe.
“We have heard many stories from residents facing insurance challenges, including those who were unable to insure their homes following the flood event or could not afford the extreme premium hikes which they were faced with, so this recommendation is extremely important.”
But Cr Sali did note one glaring omission from the report.
“The 2022 flood event proved just how vital a second river crossing is for our region.
“The closure of the causeway during the peak of the flood essentially cut off our two largest towns Shepparton and Mooroopna and impacted emergency services being able to provide essential support and care to those in need.
“The need for a second river crossing cannot be overlooked and it is something council continues to have at the forefront of its discussions with both levels of government.
“We look forward to now hearing the Victorian Government’s response to the final report.
“Council will work through the details internally as an organisation, and continue to work with our community and agency partners to ensure our region is well served into the future.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell — who was part of the committee that conducted the inquiry and delivered the report — said the ball was now well and truly in the government’s court.
Ms Lovell has called on the government to respond meaningfully to the findings and recommendations of the report and ensure that warning systems are enhanced, residents are educated for disaster preparedness and response, local governments are resourced to maintain updated flood plans, and emergency services get the training and support they need to deal with future natural disasters.
“Communities across Victoria were devastated by the floods of October 2022, and it has been inspiring to see the courage and resilience of residents in flood-affected areas as they build back their homes and lives,” Ms Lovell said.
“The Victorian Government needs to take seriously the findings of the flood inquiry report, and fund and implement the 73 recommendations in full.
“We are likely to face more floods in the future, so it is imperative that the government adequately resources local emergency services to attract and train volunteers to deal with future disasters.”
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe also urged the government to heed the findings and recommendations of the report.
“The report also highlighted the lack of funding and support for volunteer organisations such as Shepparton Search and Rescue,” Mrs O’Keeffe said.
“Many businesses had delays in receiving financial support, and the report calls on the government to simplify the process.
“It takes time to recover, and this government needs to understand that support doesn’t end when the floods end. And the impacts are still ongoing.”