Greater Shepparton City Council says the final report from the inquiry into the 2022 flood event in Victoria, handed down yesterday, gives a comprehensive and balanced account of the emergency while highlighting the need for better emergency support and funding within communities.
In Summary
- The final report from the 2022 flood event inquiry highlights the need for better emergency support and funding, with over 90 findings and 73 recommendations, many relevant to Greater Shepparton.
- Recommendations include initiatives for consistent planning outcomes, investment in resilient properties, and enhanced support for community agencies.
- The role of local agencies such as SES, CFA, and Shepparton Search and Rescue is acknowledged for their crucial service during the flood.
- The report underscores the critical need for a second river crossing between Shepparton and Mooroopna, which was highlighted by the 2022 flood event.
The final report addresses the key systemic challenges, with over 90 findings and 73 recommendations handed down, many relating to the Greater Shepparton region. The report includes many firsthand accounts from local residents who participated in the inquiry and shared their experiences.
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.
Encouragingly, the final report made recommendations in relation to initiatives to govern more consistent planning outcomes across the state, and consistent funding and oversight of local flood studies.
"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," Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
The recommendations also address the need for further investment in highly vulnerable properties to support homeowners wishing to make their homes more resilient and flood proof.
Cr Sali said it was pleasing to see the final report acknowledge the need for further investment and capacity building across the emergency management sector as a whole.
"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 coordination of services through the peak of the flood and ensuring the community remained safe," he said.
The recommendations address the need for enhanced support for our diverse communities, and for community agencies to be resourced to provide relief and mental health and social support, which is vital during such extreme emergency events.
Cr Sali said it was also pleasing to see a reference to the need for enhanced coordination and reform for insurance, particularly measures to ensure insurance is accessible to all.
"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," he said.
Despite this, Cr Sali said one major shortcoming from the final report was no mention of the need for a second river crossing between Shepparton and Mooroopna.
"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," he said.
"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."
Tap here to read the final report and here to read Council's submission.
