The independent final report and inquiry into the October 2022 floods, which greatly affected Seymour and surrounding areas, has been released.
Receiving over 800 public submissions with 16 from Seymour, 90 findings and 73 recommendations, the Inquiry sought to investigate the flood event and make appropriate recommendations to prevent another similar and devastating event from occurring.
Additionally, the inquiry examined pre-flood risk planning, emergency readiness, early warning systems, rapid response strategies, and resourcing of local emergency services, as well as the resourcing of recovery efforts.
The Inquiry ultimately found that a rare triple La Nina event, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, and a positive Southern Annular Mode converged to produce exceptionally high rainfall across the region across two days in 2022. Intense rainfall on already saturated grounds led to full reservoirs, rapid river overflows, and extensive flooding.
Eighty-one per cent of local government areas were affected, with the Seymour State Emergency Service (SES) receiving 274 requests for assistance in the township alone.
Significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and loss of life were also reported, with flooding leading to the loss of thousands of livestock, crops, and pasture.
While several lakes and rivers contributed to flooding, the Inquiry found that in Seymour, flooding was due to the high inflows and low releases of Lake Eildon, and a recommendation was made that the State Government enforce new temporary operating rules for water storage and release are developed during similar weather events.
Among the recommendations were also calls to improve the nation’s Emergency Alert text and voice message system.
While the system successfully delivered alerts to 1014 landlines and 7953 mobile phones in Seymour during the flood event, it failed to deliver warnings to residents of Murchison, Toolamba, Mooroopna, and Shepparton, and additionally delivered a warning to Shepparton residents after flood waters had passed, rendering the alert redundant.
However, representatives from Victoria SES stated that the Federal Government was already investing in its improvement.
“The current emergency alert system can only sustain five campaigns at a time, and that is why the Federal Government is now investing in a national messaging system – which will be more like a phone-based app notification that can get to a much broader number at the same time,” they said.
Other concerns raised included the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) response time, and Seymour residents’ knowledge of flood zones.
At a public hearing during the inquiry, Mitchell Shire Councillor Fiona Stevens stated that while Council ultimately agreed that the ADF’s contribution was beneficial, the timing of their arrival days after the onset off flooding, despite being closely located at Puckapunyal Military Area, illustrated flaws in the emergency process and highlighted a need for review.
Speaking to the damage caused by the flooding, Cr Stevens noted that it was both costly and widespread.
“Ultimately more than 254 homes and businesses were flooded above floor level. Hundreds of kilometres of roads were significantly damaged, with more than 50 roads closed during the event and for a considerable time thereafter. The cost of the roads alone was in excess of $3 million,” she said.
While a submission from Dr Peter Mitchell noted that Seymour’s flood zones appeared to be appropriate, he questioned whether residents were aware of the zoning.
“I would like to see all current and new property owners within these zones and overlays individually notified that they are in a flood zone and – based on any new information from 2022 – the likely height of floods on all properties,” he said.
“People cannot make good decisions without the information. How do we check that the information is available, and they are fully aware of the risk before they buy, and are not just relying on the lawyer reviewing contracts?”.
Chair of the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee Ryan Batchelor thanked all who participated in the Inquiry, stating it gave a voice to those in need.
“The flood event in October 2022 was a significant natural disaster. This Inquiry was an important way to give a voice to those who had lost so much because of these floods, and to help recommend ways that communities and government could better prepare for, respond to, and recover from, future flood disasters,” he said.
“New flood modelling is being undertaken across all Melbourne catchments, and flood studies across the state should be regularly undertaken. That new information will inevitably show increased flood risk. Communities need to be properly supported through this process and community leaders need to show compassion, offer support, and avoid exploiting genuine fear and uncertainty.
“For eighteen months, the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee has worked on this report … On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank all of those who took the time to tell us their stories and who brought their expertise to the Committee to help us inform this report.”
The inquiry was presented to Parliament on July 30, giving the Government six months to respond in writing to the recommendations offered. When received, the response will be made public via www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/reports.
