Melbourne Water Maribyrnong River flood review update

Melbourne Water will appoint a new independent lead for the Maribyrnong flood review in the near future, and Nick Wimbush will step aside. 

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. 

Melbourne Water is determined to demonstrate the integrity of the review process, we have taken this step mutually with Mr Wimbush. This is necessary so as not to distract from the important work of the review. 

Mr Wimbush is a highly experienced planning expert and has been involved in countless planning-related panels and inquiries and was up front from the outset about his previous roles, including on planning panels. Melbourne Water wishes to thank him for being available and willing to lead this important review. 

Work on the review will continue in the meantime and Melbourne Water encourages members of the community to participate by offering submissions and sharing their experiences. 

The review is a critical first step in understanding what caused and contributed to the flood event and we remain focussed on the current submissions process and hearing from the community.

BACKGROUND 

Mr Wimbush was chair of a Moonee Valley planning panel that considered a change to the planning scheme in 2015.

As Chair of the Moonee Valley panel Mr Wimbush was not required to investigate removal of the flood overlay on the Rivervue development or to consider a submission relating to that site during the process, as it had already been resolved by City of Moonee Valley and Melbourne Water. 

Local councils are the responsible authority for updating planning schemes and questions on changes to the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme, including changes to scheme overlays, should be directed to Moonee Valley Council.