Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Traralgon Creek residents still await the Emergency Management Victoria response to flood mitigation and failed warning system

The flooding damage across the community was profound with significant damage to homes, farms, businesses, sporting and community organisations, roads and essential infrastructure.

By news@gippsland - 9th June 2022 - Back to News

In June of 2021 devastating storms and floods impacted many parts of the Latrobe Valley. As always, our gratitude and thanks are extended to all who responded to the various emergencies across our region and to those who played and continue to play a role in recovery efforts. This includes neighbours helping neighbours which was so evident when these events initially hit our region.

Vast amounts of trees and forested areas were uprooted, and the subsequent carnage caused to dwellings, assets, roads, fences and wildlife was profound

Damage to the community

Flooding of the Traralgon Creek, Latrobe River and other catchments caused heartache for local residents, with many homes inundated with floodwaters. A number of businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations also experienced flooding of their facilities, whilst some farmers sustained stock, feed and fence losses.

In the southern and northern parts of the Morwell electorate the sheer volume of tree damage was difficult to fathom. Some areas truly resembled a war zone with large trees ripped out of the ground and strewn across the landscape like toothpicks.

Support for recovery

Unfortunately, a year on there are still many people contending with financial and emotional related issues. I understand some people are still dealing with insurance related matters and others still facing clean-up challenges from fallen trees or from the floods. Some of these same persons have been impacted multiple times which only adds to the stress and anxiety felt.

People engaged in community recovery committees are doing their very best in difficult circumstances. Its imperative local residents who were impacted by these events in last June are supported moving forward.

Failing warning system

People residing along the Traralgon Creek floodplain still await the outcome of Emergency Management Victoria's review into the emergency warning system that failed residents and sporting and community groups whereby an evacuation notice was only activated many hours after flood waters had actually peaked. This review is important because many simply don't have faith or confidence in the current system which is completely understandable.

We also wait with anticipation as to what flood mitigation measures on the Traralgon Creek might be considered to better protect homes, businesses, sporting and community facilities from future flooding events.

It's pleasing that some funding has been announced for the 'Traralgon Flood Recovery' project to flood proof sporting facilities at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve and relocate community and recreation groups to Glenview Park; however, we still need the state or federal government to find additional funding to deliver on the totality of that important project.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com