Maribyrnong City Council Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XJ3BXLG

It is crucial that the costs of rebuilding our homes is captured.

It’s been a long time since our last update. To be frank, we've been deep in the process of rebuilding our homes and waiting with bated breath for the Victorian Parliament Inquiry into the 2022 flooding event. Report is due June 30! https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/reports

The inquiry has asked excellent questions, particularly of Melbourne Water, regarding future flood projections. It has been revealed that an additional 900 homes in Kensington Banks are now at risk, bringing the total impacted properties to over 1,500 and affecting more than 5,000 people. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hundreds-of-homes-suddenly-deemed-flood-prone-in-inner-city-estate-20240514-p5jdij.html

Further, the controversial Flemington flood wall, which protected the racecourse in 2022, now appears ineffective with the new projected modelling. This puts up to 20,000 jobs and $445 million at risk in Victoria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Racing_Carnival

The question remains: why wouldn’t the Victorian government build mitigation for the Maribyrnong River? 

Ignoring us means 1,500 homes, a large racecourse, and dozens of elderly and vulnerable residents remain at risk. 

Mitigating flood risk along the Maribyrnong River could open up opportunities for affordable housing, secure safe rental properties, and ensure better insurance options for residents. Reducing the number of claims would also prevent insurers from raising all premiums by using disaster claims as an excuse.

To strengthen our case and build a compelling cost-benefit argument for flood mitigation, the Maribyrnong City Council has launched a resident survey to capture the impact of the flood. For example, our renovation/rebuild is costing close to $300,000, and all damages and contents bring the total to over $450,000, of which less than 30% was covered by our comprehensive flood insurance policy.

Urgent Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XJ3BXLG

The cost-benefit of building mitigation is evident, but it needs more attention. 

This survey is crucial in providing a clear and accurate representation of the extensive damage and significant rebuild costs many of us are facing. By filling out this survey, you are contributing vital information that will strengthen our case when presenting to local authorities, aid organisations and ultimately for funding mitigation. 

Thank you again for being an engaged and caring audience of signatories. Now, more than ever, please continue to share this petition and advocate for our beloved river and residents.