Challenge the revised flood overlay ruling in Wellington Shire

The Issue

Every morning, I wake up with the looming fear of losing the dream home I built for my family. This home is not just bricks and mortar; it's a safe haven for my children and a testament to hard work and dedication. But this safety is under threat, not from an unpredictable natural disaster, but from an administrative decision that disregards the realities of our community.

Recently, 10,000 property owners in the Wellington Shire, including myself, received distressing letters detailing changes proposed by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA). These changes are heavily influenced by the Victorian government's implementation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected sea-level rise increase of 0.8 meters by 2100. While climate action is crucial, adopting an arbitrary increase without the consideration of local infrastructure or historical data is causing unwarranted fear and financial strain on property owners who are now left in a sea of uncertainty.

The revised flood overlay ruling needs re-evaluation. Firstly, the 0.8-meter rise oversimplifies and generalizes predictions without factoring in recent advances in flood mitigation that Wellington Shire and other local councils have already undertaken. Ignoring these efforts invalidates the substantial funds invested by community members towards infrastructure development and safety measures.

Furthermore, this decision directly impacts market values and insurance premiums, making it exceedingly difficult for property owners to sell their homes or even secure them financially. Local businesses are straining under the threat, knowing that unnecessary zoning could deter investment and growth in the region.

We propose a detailed analysis and a community-inclusive approach. The local government must engage with property owners, review current scientific data thoroughly, (not outdated data from 2004) and develop infrastructure strategies that accurately reflect localized flood predictions. Our voices must be heard, and our concerns should lead the debate on future flood management policies.

I urge you to stand with the Wellington Shire community in demanding the revision of this overlay. Sign this petition to call for an evidence-based and fair approach to flood management, where changes are implemented transparently and in consultation with residents who know the lands best. Support us in saving our homes and businesses from ill-conceived rulings. Your signature can drive significant change.