Thanks to the support of 2300 signatures and counting, this petition has gained significant momentum and drawn attention to the pressing issues surrounding the recent floods. As a result, it has been featured in several newspaper articles, and most importantly, has resulted in the initiation of a parliamentary inquiry. The petition highlights three key issues that require immediate attention from the government and local authorities:
- Investing in upstream mitigation measures to reduce the impact of future extreme weather events. i.e., Arundel retarding basin.
- Improving and upgrading infrastructure such as drainage systems and levees to better manage and redirect floodwaters.
- The establishment of an early warning system to give residents adequate time to prepare and protect their homes.
We firmly believe that addressing these key issues is crucial to preventing future flooding disasters and safeguarding our communities. Therefore, we strongly urge all individuals affected by the floods to participate in the parliamentary inquiry by sharing their experiences and making submissions before the deadline of May 8th, 2023. By doing so, we can help to inform the inquiry's findings and ensure that our voices are heard. We encourage everyone to review the terms of reference of the parliamentary inquiry, which can be found at https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/floodinquiry. This document outlines the scope of the inquiry and the key issues that will be examined. By familiarising ourselves with these terms, we can ensure that our submissions are relevant and constructive.
The devastating floods that have recently hit the Maribyrnong River area have sparked debates on who holds responsibility for protecting the more than 600 properties, businesses, and community groups, as well as the 1300 residents affected by the disaster. To shed light on this complex issue, it's worth examining the statutory obligations of the authorities that have been mentioned in the discussions surrounding the floods. To do this, we can refer to the respective websites of these agencies to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It is clear that working in isolation and solely focusing on specific tasks without considering a coordinated effort to address the issue at hand can magnify the extent of the disaster and create further hardship for affected residents and businesses.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is an international agreement adopted in 2015 by the United Nations Member States to reduce disaster risk and build the resilience of communities and nations to disasters. Australia is a founding member of the UN. The framework aims to achieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health, and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years.
The Sendai Framework emphasises the importance of prevention, preparedness, and early warning systems in reducing the impact of disasters. It also recognises the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and communities, to effectively manage disaster risk.
The Maribyrnong River flooding is a reminder of the importance of disaster risk reduction and the need for effective implementation of the Sendai Framework. It is important to note that protecting residents during a disaster requires a collaborative effort between various authorities. It is crucial for politicians and bureaucrats to understand that the impact of disasters go beyond just physical damage. For instance, children have lost play areas, the elderly are displaced from their homes, businesses remain closed, residents are traumatised and anxious during rainy weather and families struggle to continue their traditions and activities. The responsibility to manage the aftermath of a disaster falls on everyone, and the cost of recovery can be burdensome for affected residents.
The parliamentary inquiry brings us a step closer to helping Maribyrnong residents and the lovely river precinct we adore. The inquiry is accepting submissions until May 8th, 2023, and it is encouraged that everyone affected by the floods participates and shares their experiences to inform the inquiry's findings. Whether you choose to ask questions such as, "Why was the Arundel Basin never built?", share your personal story of the impact or attach supporting news articles and documents, each submission will be carefully reviewed by the committee, which will present a report of recommendations to the government in early 2024.
In the words of Winston Churchill, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Despite the widespread knowledge that Maribyrnong River flooding can cause unimaginable devastation, nothing has been done to reduce its impact since 1974. If we want to prevent this from happening again in the future, we must remain focused, use our voices, and share our stories. We can also make a difference by sharing the petition with others, raising awareness of the issue, and encouraging more people to sign it. It is our hope that the authorities, who are statutorily responsible for public safety and wellbeing, will hear our pleas and take action to build mitigation measures.