By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong community members would soon come together to provide guidance and support to council on issues and barriers impacting the Maribyrnong flood recovery process towards delivering positive outcomes for the impacted community, as part of a new Maribyrnong River Flood Community Recovery Committee.
On Friday, October 14, 2022, significant flooding occurred within the urban catchment of the Maribyrnong River, impacting more than 500 properties across Maribyrnong and causing extensive damage.
During a special meeting on Tuesday, February 7, council passed a motion to approve the establishment of the committee and endorse its terms of reference.
Appointed for a period of 18 months across 18 scheduled meetings, the committee would include between six and 10 community members who represent the demographics of the flood-impacted area, one councillor, planning and environment services director Laura Jo-Mellan and recovery leads for social, economic, built and natural environment recovery.
Maribyrnong councillor Anthony Tran said any community member interested in the recovery process and any preparation work for potential future disasters should express their interest in joining the committee.
“This is really your opportunity to jump on board, to continue to be a part of the conversation, just as you have been before,” he said.
“Now’s the time to start preparing, just in case we do experience something like this again.”
“God forbids it happens again.”
Prior to supporting the motion, Cr Michael Clarke praised the work of Maribyrnong chief executive Celia Haddock, planning and environment services director Laura Jo-Mellan, and all council staff in their work during the recovery process.
“It really did give me a sense of what a remarkable council we have,” he said.
Cr Clarke said the committee would draw on the wisdom of flood-affected residents.
“The community down there in Maribyrnong have suffered and suffered badly, but the great thing is that we can draw on their experience,” he said.
“They will provide material that will give us a way forward.”
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