The Rochester community held its Community Chat last Thursday, January 18, its first breakfast for the year, discussing all matters critical to the town.
The morning discussion centred around the plan for the future regarding the two most recent floods this month and October 2022.
With many residents still recovering from the second-last flood, people in the room were frustrated by the lack of progress.
Resident and Rochester Recovery Committee chair Leigh Wilson, who has taken on the role of representing the concerns of citizens, spoke honestly of the challenges that he and the town are facing.
“We are looking at different mechanisms to help prevent another major flood,” Mr Wilson said.
“We are also looking to reduce the amount of water in Lake Eppalock from 90 to 70 per cent.”
Mr Wilson was also on ABC radio in Melbourne on January 11, discussing residents’ ongoing challenges from the two successive floods.
“With residents still recovering from the 2022 floods and having their items stored in shipping containers, the most recent flood has gone through properties and has destroyed the remnants of what people own,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson conceded that several interest groups would resist changes, including NSW, South Australia, Victoria and the federal government.
He also cited special interest groups who use Lake Eppalock, such as skiers and campers.
Some of the questions from the audience were raised, including the lack of suitable drainage on Victoria St from residents and 2022 flood victim Lynette Brown.
Another question related to how there was a disconnect between what is provided by the council and state government and people needing to be made aware of the services offered to them.
While frustrated comments continued for several minutes, Mr Wilson informed the attendees that they needed to be in contact with the recovery hub in Rochester.
“Residents who have had their homes damaged by floodwaters need to be proactive in how they engage services designed to support them,” Mr Wilson said.
“People who live in Rochester have received five letters from the Campaspe Shire Council, informing them of the services provided to them.”
According to the Campaspe Shire Council website, the hub is open during business hours.
“Council’s Recovery Hub located at 48 Mackay St, Rochester, is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm,” a Campaspe Shire Council spokesperson said.
“The Recovery Hub is the primary location for people to access the services and support they need to recover from the flood.
“The hub is staffed by council’s dedicated community recovery officers, and is home to a range of government and professional agencies.”
For further information about the recovery hub, visit: https://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Emergency-management/Flood-recovery-information/Recovery-Hub