Appearing at a Parliamentary Inquiry public hearing, MAV CEO Rob Spence said that flood-affected councils had called for clarity around planning, responsibilities and ownership of Victoria’s flood infrastructure.
“Many of our communities are still enduring the long recovery following severe flooding in 2010 and the summer of 2011, with local councils playing a significant part in the recovery process.
“Councils have a role to play and are keen to assist, but the current arrangements limit their capacity to do so.
“Municipalities experienced first-hand a wide variance in the quality of detailed flood maps, accurate advice, warnings and flood predictions. This information is critical for comprehensive flood planning to reduce risk.
“We’d like the Victorian Government to work with Catchment Management Authorities and Melbourne Water to fund and coordinate consistent statewide detailed flood studies for riverine, coastal and urban flooding that covers entire catchments.
“There is a gap in understanding and mapping the effects of landscape flooding, and how urban development impacts water run-off, overland flows and local flood events.
“These studies should use a common methodology for municipalities and other authorities to have access to valuable modelling and data to improve essential waterways and drainage planning and preparation.
“Waterways management and ownership was also widely reported by councils as a contentious local issue in both metropolitan and rural communities.
“As it stands, a lack of State guidance has left councils repeatedly taking on responsibilities that are far beyond their capacity, expertise and resources – a situation that is unsustainable,” he said.
The MAV’s submission to the Victorian Parliament Environment and Natural Resources Committee - Inquiry into Flood Mitigation Infrastructure recommends an urgent review of the Water Act, Local Government Act and the Catchment and Land Protection Act to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Councils have also called for a statewide assessment of levees, weirs and channels to determine the assets owned by each agency, and which ones should be maintained, upgraded or decommissioned.
Mr Spence said that the use of levees required careful consideration in light of the 2010-11 floods.
“Metropolitan and town levees are generally constructed to a known standard with government funding to protect public assets, and are maintained and repaired by municipalities.
“However, rural levee locations are often unknown, on private property or Crown land. It’s unclear who is responsible for them or their construction standards, and they generally protect private agricultural land.
“Improved detailed flood studies, together with mapping of flood mitigation infrastructure and a review of legislative roles are essential first steps towards better planning for flood events in Victoria,” he said.
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View the MAV’s submission to the ENRC Inquiry into Flood Mitigation Infrastructure.
Contact MAV CEO Rob Spence on 0418 132 573 or MAV Communications on 03 9667 5521.