By Matthew Sims
Carbone Lawyers has started initial discussions with Maribyrnong flood victims towards a potential class action against the Victoria Racing Club [VRC].
The Victoria Racing Club [VRC] built the flood wall around the Flemington Racecourse in 2007, after receiving approval from the state government to undertake upgrade and flood protection in 2004.
As reported by Star Weekly, Melbourne Water has launched a review of the decision to erect the flood wall around Flemington Racecourse following the flooding event along the Maribyrnong River on Friday, October 14.
Money raised from the Melbourne Cup Carnival will be donated to flood relief efforts, with the VRC initially pledging $500,000.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said the Melbourne Cup Carnival would use its platform to raise awareness of the ongoing flooding situation across the country.
“As we embark on the celebration that stops the nation, we are also acutely aware that right across the country, Australians are dealing with the devastation caused by the floods,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with those living in communities impacted by the floods.”
The VRC will announce the final amount raised through the Melbourne Cup Carnival on Saturday, November 5.
Carbone Lawyers personal injury law and litigation head John Karantzis said they were still in the early stages of investigation concerning the potential class action.
“We’re taking inquiries from potential registrants,” he said.
“A lot of people have been affected.”
Mr Karantzis said Carbone Lawyers were also investigating a number of the causes of the flooding.
“Potentially, we could be looking at any authorities that gave the planning approval for the wall,” he said.
Mr Karantzis said about 150 individuals have so far registered during the initial stages of the class action investigation, with anyone who suffered damage to their property encouraged to register.
Maribyrnong resident Jane Trewin has been advocating for better flood management along the Maribyrnong River for a number of decades alongside her late husband Shane, including pushing for the construction of the Arundel retarding basin and pushing against the construction of the Flemington Racecourse flood wall.
“We probably wouldn’t be in the situation we are now,” she said.
Mrs Trewin said the past week and a half had been “gut-wrenching” to see the damage felt across the Maribyrnong community.
“I’ve lost my marital home,” she said.
“I’m living out of my car at the moment.
“I can’t think straight.
“The river is everything to me mentally.”.
Details: www.carbonelawyers.com.au or 1800 369 888
