By Molly Magennis
Maribyrnong council has endorsed a new flood management Strategy which has set a 10-year direction for flood management in the Port Phillip and Westernport region.
The strategy, which was prepared by Melbourne Water, focuses on how the organisation and councils will work together to plan for, avoid and reduce flood risks, while also supporting emergency preparation and response.
Maribyrnong council had been asked by Melbourne Water to endorse the strategy as one of 50 partner organisations in the region with flood management responsibilities.
At a council meeting last week, councillor Simon Crawford said the challenges surrounding flooding are going to become greater and greater.
“Particularly, you know [with] the current weather we have, the La Niña, the weather sort of cycle we’re in at the moment, and of course with climate change,” he said.
Cr Michael Clark also touched on the changing weather patterns Australia is experiencing, referring to the big storm and flash flooding the city experienced two weeks ago.
During the storm, a watch and act alert was issued for Footscray due to extensive flash flooding, and the SES responded to 40 calls for help in the area.
“I don’t know about others, but in my lifetime, I haven’t seen the level of deluge that we’ve been subjected to in this last 12 months,” Cr Clark said.
“This strategy is a way forward and councillors mark me, it’s not a case of if we get a massive deluge, it’s a case of when and we need to be prepared.”
