An independent panel, appointed by Melbourne Water, has released its final report on the Maribyrnong River flood in Melbourne’s inner west. The panel’s review concluded that the modelling used to assess the impact of the racecourse levee on the flooding is out of date. This means that it remains unclear how the levee contributed to the devastating floods that occurred on October 14, 2022.
The Flemington Racecourse, protected by a 2.5m wall built in 2007, remained unaffected by the floodwaters, while dozens of properties were inundated. The panel made 15 recommendations in its report, including the use of updated modelling tools once available and the exploration of long-term sustainable flood mitigation options for the Maribyrnong River.
The report highlighted the need for Melbourne Water to review its flood models every five years, as well as updating them at least once every 10 years and after major floods. It also recommended investigating the installation of one-way valves and yard drainage at low-lying streets in the Rivervue Retirement Village, which experienced significant flooding during the October floods.
Melbourne Water managing director Nerina Di Lorenzo welcomed the report’s findings but acknowledged that there is still work to be done. The company has been actively engaging with the community over the past year and is committed to listening, learning, and taking action to address the issues identified in the report.
The state government will collaborate with Melbourne Water to address the report’s findings and identify areas for improvement in flood mitigation, communication, and response efforts. The report will be tabled in parliament, and Melbourne Water will also appear before a parliamentary inquiry into the 2022 floods in the upcoming week.