Greater Shepparton City Council says the interim report into the 2022 flood event in Victoria, tabled at the regional sitting of the Victorian Parliament in Echuca last week, highlights the need for a more efficient support system for community members and a faster transition to recovery following a major emergency.
Early last year, the Legislative Council asked the Environment and Planning Committee to investigate Victoria's preparedness for, and response to, the October 2022 flood event. In particular, the Committee was asked to consider factors such as what caused or contributed to the flood event, emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies, and the Victorian Planning framework.
Council made a written submission to the inquiry in June last year, along with in-person submissions when the inquiry travelled through flood-affected communities in Northern Victoria.
The interim report released last week focuses on the adequacy of government supports and payments to flood-impacted residents, and highlights community voices and interests. The final report, expected to be tabled in mid-June, will include evidence from people directly impacted by the floods, along with recommendations for improvement.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Greater Shepparton residents will be pleased to see their experiences recognised.
"The report is a strong reminder of the devastation of the October 2022 flood event on communities and individual households. It talks about the best of community spirit which we saw, but also the concern that exists about how well we might be prepared for any future emergencies," he said.
"The report highlights the need for an easier support system for community members to navigate and a faster transition to recovery during a major emergency. Stronger resourcing is also needed for emergency agencies, community groups and local government, along with more investment into long term resilience strategies."
Cr Sali said the settlement of insurance claims was a challenge which also needed to be addressed, with many residents also experiencing issues with affordability and availability of insurance.
"Council will read the final report with great interest as it is expected to address recommendations for improving the official response across preparedness, warnings, response, relief and recovery," he said.
