Why Victoria’s flood clean-up effort may go on for years

The mammoth recovery effort from Victoria’s devastating floods may take years to tackle, new government information has revealed.

The mammoth recovery effort from Victoria’s devastating floods could continue for years, a new government document says.
It comes as the state government tenders for experts, including building surveyors, environmental health officers and engineers who will be made available to local councils to help identify and mop up the damage.

According to documents viewed by the Sunday Herald Sun, applicants would be available to local councils for up to two years.

Flood-damaged furniture lines a Maribyrnong street after the flooding. Picture: Aaron Francis

The tender, between Emergency Management Victoria and Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group, is due to close on January 19.

Much of Victoria’s northern and central communities were battered by floodwaters this year, leaving a path of destruction and thousands of displaced residents.

One or more experts would be expected to provide relevant resources to work alongside councils in flood-hit towns including Rochester and Echuca.

Much of Victoria’s northern and central communities were battered by floodwaters earlier this year. Picture: Jason Edwards

Workers would be tasked to complete a subsequent review surrounding the impact on the community’s natural, built, ­social and economic ­environments.

Housing and accommodation, health and media assistance support, local businesses and transport options were listed on the tender that called for assessments.

Information gathered would also assist agencies partners and charities with their relief efforts.

State government tenders for a range of experts will be made available to local councils to help identify and mop up future flood damage. Picture: AFP

Leigh Wilson, chairman of the community flood recovery committee in Campaspe, said while he welcomed the much-needed efforts but was ­unaware of the tender until this weekend.

“Understanding the number of people and homes ­impacted by the flood is a high priority,” Mr Wilson told the Sunday Herald Sun.

Much of Victoria’s northern and central communities were battered by floodwaters earlier this year. Picture: Rob Leeson

“At this point, we still don’t know how many houses were flooded over the floor.

“You can’t plan for the ­recovery when you don’t know how many were impacted.

“We still don’t know where 30-40 per cent of our population is.”

In recent weeks, he said many residents were yet to have their damage claims ­assessed.

“There’s a huge chunk of people still waiting for things to happen. It’s incredibly frustrating for them. There’s massive delays,” Mr Wilson said.

In-person mental health support services were also needed for many residents, he said.