By Matthew Sims
The Victorian Greens have released the terms of reference of a parliamentary inquiry into last year’s Maribyrnong River floods.
Introduced on Wednesday, February 8, the proposed inquiry would include the investigation into the impact the Flemington Racecourse had on overall damage to the surrounding area, the decision to construct the flood wall, the effectiveness of early warning systems, the effectiveness of the state’s planning systems in terms of reducing the impacts of climate change and whether the State Emergency Service had sufficient resources to deal with extreme weather events.
Victorian Greens deputy leader Ellen Sandell said the Maribyrnong community deserved a better inquiry than Melbourne Water’s inquiry.
“We urgently need a broader-ranging inquiry into these floods to explore why the flood wall was built in the first place, why early warning systems didn’t work, and how we can better protect homes and lives during climate disasters, not just vested interests,” she said.
“Governments must do better when it comes to increasingly frequent climate disasters.”
Melbourne Water has announced they would be appointing an alternative independent lead for the Maribyrnong flood review soon, after former lead Nick Wimbush decided to step down from the role following reports from The Age newspaper highlighting his role as the chair of a Moonee Valley planning panel which considered a change to the planning scheme in 2015.
In a statement, Melbourne Water denied Mr Wimbush was involved in a decision to amend the flood overlay near the Rivervue retirement village in Avondale Heights, as it had already been resolved by the Moonee Valley council and Melbourne Water.
According to Melbourne Water, Mr Wimbush and Melbourne Water made a mutual decision for him to step down as the review lead.
“This is necessary so as not to distract from the important work of the review,” the statement read.
“Mr Wimbush’s appointment met all probity and appointment criteria and he was eminently qualified to undertake the role.
“This position was confirmed on review by an independent probity advisor before his appointment.”
Public submissions remain open until Friday, March 17.
Details: www.melbournewater.com.au/building-and-works/projects/maribyrnong-river-flood-review
