Supporting residents and communities through flooding

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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.

Aberfeldie Park submerged by floodwaters during the October 2022 flooding event

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.

One-off water bill rebate

Greater Western Water and Melbourne Water have jointly provided a one-off $600 bill rebate for eligible customers whose home or business was flooded above floor-level. More than 250 customers have already received rebates, and Greater Western Water encourages any customers who think they are eligible to call 13 44 99 for more bill assistance options.

For more information head to the Greater Western Water website.

Support for flood-affected residents

We understand that navigating the planning or building process to rebuild or refurbish your property following the October and November 2022 flood events could be challenging. To support our flood affected residents who may need initial advice on the planning or building process we can provide telephone or online meeting support and information services to help you navigate through the process. You can call 131 722 or email [email protected] and an officer will get back to you within 2 business days to talk with you or to set up a short online meeting.

Prepare yourself for flooding

Floods are a natural part of our landscape and an essential part of the water cycle. The impacts of climate change and continuing urban development means that it is highly likely that we will see more parts of Melbourne flood in the future. As a result, flooding that we would typically only see on rare occasions, is becoming more frequent and more severe.

The more you know about floods, the better prepared you will be. Find out the actions you can take now.

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