In marking the first anniversary of the worst floods in Campaspe Shire in more than 150 years, Campaspe Shire Council has reflected on what has been achieved in the recovery and rebuilding process since the October 2022 event.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Rob Amos said that while much progress has been made across the shire in a year, there's still a long way to go for many impacted residents and communities to recover, particularly for Rochester.
"Many people are still not living in their own home, some are grappling with mental health issues and whole communities are working hard to restore their social fabric and local economies," Cr Amos said.
"While these challenges will not fully resolve in the short term, the collective efforts of communities, governments and service agencies working in partnership is ensuring that locally-identified needs and priorities are being progressively addressed.
"The anniversary of the floods will affect people in different ways. However, what our residents have in common, is a strong resolve to unite in supporting each other in recovery. To rebuild people's lives and livelihoods, to reconnect communities, to reignite businesses and local economies, and to strengthen our resilience for the future."
Below are some of Council's key activities of the past 12 months to support the Campaspe Shire community in recovery.
Recovery Hub
Council operated temporary flood recovery support hubs from several locations until a fit-for-purpose Recovery Hub opened in Rochester on 10 July 2023. More than 1,500 people have attended since it opened and a further 150 calls have been received by the dedicated flood support phone line.
Community outreach is an important aspect of the hub's service delivery model. Council's Recovery team members are out and about every day supporting the community and delivering a wide range of events that provide opportunities for people to receive information, advice and support, and reconnect with one another.
Community Recovery Committees
Council has supported three community recovery committees (CRCs), including the Echuca, Rochester and Campaspe West (Gunbower and Torrumbarry) CRCs. In July 2023, the first meeting of the new Municipal Recovery Committee (MRC) was held. The MRC is a vital link between government departments agencies, other community recovery committees, impacted communities and Council.
Rates Relief Package
A 2022-23 rates relief package for identified flood-impacted properties was endorsed by Council. The package was the most equitable economic way Council could help ratepayers.
Emergency Management
Council has put significant resources into rebuilding its emergency management capability. Dedicated officers are working with agencies, emergency services and the community to ensure Council is ready for any future event.
Advocacy
Council's strong advocacy program has included many ministerial meetings, funding applications and submissions to a variety of reviews as well as the Victorian Flood Inquiry. Seeking a solution to mitigate flooding caused by overflow spillage from Lake Eppalock and reviewing flood plans have also been top priorities.
Repair of Council-Owned Assets
More than 1,400 road segments have been inspected and repairs undertaken at more than 703 locations. Many damaged buildings, sports grounds, paths, playgrounds and other community facilities have been progressively repaired and reopened.
Waste Services
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, the Emergency Transfer Station received 3,739 tonnes of general flood waste before closing mid-November. Since then, Council's resource recovery centres have received:
- 2,755 cubic metres of general flood waste
- 164 fridges and air conditioning units
- 324 mattresses
- 1,071 sandbags
- 148 cubic metres of soft furnishings
- 211 cubic metres of impacted green organic flood waste
Flood Inquiry
Council lodged a submission to Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria, highlighting a raft of issues that hampered the various authorities' efforts to effectively tackle the disaster.
"On behalf of Campaspe Shire Council, I thank all those in our community and Council staff who have helped, and continue to help, those affected by the floods as we continue to navigate the myriad challenges of the recovery process," Cr Amos said.
