Premier

Preparing For Floods: The Right Tools, At A Local Level

20 April 2016

Victorians will be given the best tools available to improve flood mitigation measures and prepare for floods, under a new Floodplain Management Strategy released today by the Andrews Labor Government.

The 2016/17 Victorian Budget provides $25 million in funding to support the strategy includes:

  • $12 million to support the implementation of the Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy, and Regional Floodplain Management Strategies. The strategy clarifies the roles and responsibilities for floodplain management – particularly in land use planning decisions and improved flood warning systems.
  • $11 million for locally-led flood mitigation measures in up to 15 communities including Charlton, Bendigo, Numurkah, Donald and Seymour in recognition that mitigation and responding to flooding is best managed at a local level.
  • $2 million to ensure Victoria’s water authorities have the capacity to confirm their water services are appropriately resilient when faced with natural hazards and emergencies.

This is the first time a government has made clear what types of flood infrastructure it is willing to fund, and had a clear and fair model of cost sharing between tiers of government.

The Government’s new approach to managing flood risks will ensure high quality flood risk information is shared with the insurance sector.

The development of the new Floodplain Management Strategy included widespread community consultation after we made an election commitment to undertake further consultations to support local communities in making their own decisions about dealing with their flood risk.

As part of this package, work on the Victoria Rural Drainage Strategy will also be completed.

A copy of the Floodplain Management Strategy can be found at www.delwp.vic.gov.au/waterExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville

“Climate change is real, extreme weather events are happening, and it’s more important than ever that we’re ready to deal with floods.”

“Locals know their land more than anyone. That’s why they will be a part of the mitigation effort.”

“This is also about providing the insurance industry with the information they need to keep premiums at a reasonable level.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?