Loddon Shire welcomes tabling of 2022 flood inquiry final report

Published on 20 August 2024

Loddon Shire Council has welcomed the tabling of the Victorian Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s Final Report for the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.

Tabled in the Legislative Council on 30 July 2024, the report makes 90 findings and 73 recommendations, including improvements to flood governance arrangements and boosting resources for emergency services responding to events such as floods.

“The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on the Loddon Shire, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, homes and the livelihoods of our residents,” Loddon Shire Chief Executive Officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said.

“Council acknowledges the vital importance of the recommendations presented in the report, particularly those that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities like Loddon Shire.

“This includes around Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements; in particular that the Victorian and Federal governments work together to simplify the application process and that funding arrangements are not unduly burdensome.

“Cutting the red tape when it comes to applying for disaster recovery funding and management of funding, will help ensure councils like Loddon Shire are able to get out and start the recovery process as quickly as possible – including repairing crucial infrastructure such as local roads and bridges.”

Other recommendations to be advocated by Council include those around long-term and dedicated mental health resources in flood-affected regions as well as funding and resourcing towards conducting and implementing up-to-date flood studies on a regular basis.

“Operational control is another important recommendation to come out of the inquiry,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“In particular, clearly stating the operational role and responsibilities of each emergency service in preparation for a flood emergency, outlining the appropriate chain of command, communication protocols and engagement with the local community.”

Mr Fitzgerald said Loddon Shire looks forward to the Victorian Government considering the recommendations and responding within the next six months.

“These changes will not only strengthen our community’s resilience to future flood events but enhance our ability to recover more effectively.”

The 2022 flood event affected 63 local government areas, totalling 81% of all local government areas across Victoria.

The tabling of the Committee’s Final Report follows extensive community engagement and public hearings during the past 18 months.

The final report concluded there needed to be a more integrated, community centred and accessible approach to emergency management, from planning through to recovery.

Read the Final Report.