Last year, Melbourne Water worked closely with emergency services including VIC State Emergency Services (VICSES), the now Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Councils helping Victorians respond to, rebuild and recover from recent flooding.
The rainfall and subsequent flooding occurred during October 2022 across Greater Melbourne and was unprecedented in its intensity, with many areas experiencing their highest total October rainfall on record, or highest total October rainfall for at least 20 years.
Outside of an immediate incident response, we are continuing to support key agencies and local communities in the flood recovery process.
In parallel with this critical work, we are also supporting an independently-led review of the Maribyrnong River flood event and any impact the Flemington racecourse wall may have had.
Melbourne Water’s role
Melbourne Water is primarily responsible for the health and safety of Melbourne’s water supply and sewerage systems, some parts of the city’s drainage infrastructure and waterway health.
We play a critical role in the management of flood risk, through:
- our work in land use planning and setting building and renovation criteria that minimise flooding risks;
- constructing, maintaining or upgrading drainage, flood management infrastructure and multifunctional assets;
- the provision of flood information and education.
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the control agency for flooding in Victoria, which means that they are responsible for planning for floods, supporting community preparedness and managing flood response should they occur.
Find out more information about the different roles and responsibilities of Melbourne Water and other agencies in a flooding event.
Our flood recovery efforts
Our recovery efforts focussed on conducting various works that included:
- clearing debris
- assessing damage to critical infrastructure
- making repairs needed to keep our waterways and communities safe.
Crews were busy clearing litter and material from inlet and outlet structures and grated pits, removing fallen trees and repairing fallen fences throughout affected areas, including the Maribyrnong River precinct.
Maribyrnong River flood event
An independently-led review is being undertaken into the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood.
The Maribyrnong Flood Review will look at the causes and contributors to the October 2022 flooding event in the urban area of the Maribyrnong river catchment, including any impacts of the Flemington Racecourse flood wall.
For more information on this review, please visit the Maribyrnong River Flood Review consultation website.
