Maribyrnong Flood Recovery

On 26 April 2023, Council unanimously endorsed a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Victorian Floods. The submission provides suggestions on key actions to be undertaken to minimise the impacts of future events:

• A review of warning systems to ensure it is accessible to all in the community and information is provided in a consistent way.
• Improved coordination between different government agencies to ensure that roles are defined.
• A clear framework and agreements between relevant organisations and agencies in respect of clean-up activities, management of volunteers and the roll out of funding support.
• An assessment of current flood management and land use planning framework to ensure they are fit for purpose and mitigate the risks and impacts of future flood events.
• A mitigation plan, including funding, must be developed for Maribyrnong to minimise the impact of future flood events.

Visit the Agenda and Minutes page to read the submission in full in the agenda for the City Development Delegated Committee meeting held on 26 April 2023 (page 155).

Maribyrnong City Council's submission to Melbourne Water's Maribyrnong River Flood Review

Council has lodged a formal submission to Melbourne Water’s Maribyrnong River Flood Review.

525 properties in the township were impacted during the October flood event with ongoing health, social and economic impacts still being felt.

In its submission Council seeks to challenge the narrow scope of the review, and in particular the specific exclusion of policy responses and mitigation measures.

It also addresses the impact of the event, noting rebuild and recovery processes are still underway, Flood Modelling and Warnings, the Flemington Racecourse Wall, Flooding and Land Use Planning, and Melbourne Water’s role in Emergency Management.

Council’s submission notes a number of areas where it believes the review needs to provide clear recommendations to ensure flood hazards and the impacts of future floods can be minimised.

Click here to read the submission in full in the agenda for the City Development Delegated Committee meeting held on 28 March 2023 (page 73).

Melbourne Water Maribyrnong River Flood Review

Submissions to the review by Melbourne Water into the October 2022 flood event have now closed.

For more information regarding the progress of the review visit Melbourne Water’s Maribyrnong River Flood Review webpage.

A Community Recovery Committee (CRC) was endorsed at a Council Meeting on 7 February 2023, to support the recovery efforts post the 2022 Maribyrnong River flood event.

It will consist of a majority of community members, for a term of 18 months, who will provide guidance, support, and advice on what recovery will look like for their local community.

The Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter is a member of the committee to work with other members and advocate on the communities behalf. Cr Anthony Tran will step in when the Mayor is unavailable. 

Expressions of interest (EOI) closed at 5pm, Friday 24 February, however Council will continue to accept applications as we understand that the circumstances of members may change, and that we may need to periodically induct new members.

How to submit an EOI

Interested residents can download a copy of the Terms of Reference here(PDF, 233KB), and submit an EOI by:

• completing the online application below
• downloading a PDF version of the application form here(PDF, 566KB), completing it (by hand or online) and sending it back to us via:
  • email at floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
  • post, addressed to Maribyrnong City Council, PO Box 58, West Footscray, Victoria, 3012
  • in-person at Maribyrnong Community Centre, located at 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong

Complete an online EOI here

Documents and links

• Download a copy of the Community Reference Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 233KB)
• Download a copy of the Community Reference Committee Expression of Interest Form(PDF, 566KB)
• Download more information about the 7 February 2023 Council Meeting
• Download a copy of the Community Reference Committee Terms of Reference in Vietnamese(PDF, 835KB)
• Download a copy of the Community Reference Committee Terms of Reference in Hindi(PDF, 888KB)
• Download a copy of the Community Reference Committee Terms of Reference in Chinese(PDF, 704KB)

Financial Relief Extended for Flood Impacted Maribyrnong Residents

An extension of the flood rebate for Maribyrnong residents impacted by the October 2022 Flood Event was endorsed at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 February 2023.

A 50% rebate on the 2022/23 third and fourth quarter rates and municipal charges instalment will apply. Rebates do not apply to the State Government Fire Service Levy.

If your property was affected by the recent floods in Maribyrnong, you can apply for the rebate by completing the online application, or download the application form below and submit it to Council by email to email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Following the submission of your application a member of our team will contact you to discuss your situation.

To complete the application you will need your rates assessment number which can be found on your rates assessment notice.

Flood affected ratepayers are also able to enter into a minimum payment arrangement for Municipal Rates and Charges to support individual circumstances, with no interest charged. The waste charge for the 2022/23 has already been waived. Legal action for the collection of rates and charges on any impacted property has also been suspended.

Submit a Flood Rebate Application Form

• Download the Rates Rebate Application Form(PDF, 216KB)
  

Rates Payment Arrangements for Flood Affected Properties

Council is providing the option to enter into a rates payment arrangement in relation to the third and fourth instalment of rates.

If your property was affected by the floods in Maribyrnong you can apply for a minimum payment arrangement.

You can submit an online application or download the application form below.

Submit an application online

• Download the Rates Payment Arrangement for Flood Affected Properties form(PDF, 210KB)

My Mental Health - services, directory and online support:

Help and support is available to maintain mental health and wellbeing and includes local services and resources in a number of languages visit:  My Mental Health

Head to Health:

Access free mental health resources and services at Head to Health or to speak to a trained mental health professional contact 1800 595 212

Cohealth Recovery Support Program

The program offers screening and assessments to determine immediate and long term needs for people affected by emergencies. For more information contact: flood.relief@cohealth.org.au

Services supporting the community:

Lifeline: call 13 11 14, 24 hours, seven days a week or visit lifeline.org.au

1800 RESPECT: call 1800 737 732, 24 hours or visit 1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: call 1800 015 188, 24 hours, seven days a week, or visit safesteps.org.au

GenWest: call 1800 436 937, email info@genwest.org.au or visit genwest.org.au

InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence: call 1800 755 988, or visit intouch.org.au

Djirra, support for Aboriginal people, call 1800 105 303, or visit djirra.org.au

MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 or visit mensline.org.au

Seniors Rights Victoria: call 1300 368 821, or visit seniorsrights.org.au

Kids helpline: call 1800 551 800, or visit kidshelpline.com.au

Kerbside waste collections

Kerbside bins collections have now returned to the pre-flood collection schedule. Click here to check your scheduled collection dates.

Arranging a new kerbside bin

Flood affected residents that require a kerbside bin replacement due to the floods can contact Council for a free replacement which will be delivered or repair which will be actioned within 24 hours, Monday and Friday. Residents will need to advise Customer Service that they are a flood affected resident and provide the below information when requesting a new bin:

• full name
• address
• your contact details if you are the owner, or your Body Corporation's contact details if you are a renter (phone number and email address)
• the type of request - a bin replacement or repair
• the bin type and size you are requesting

To contact Customer Service, call 9688 0200 or email email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Hard waste

Moonee Valley Waste Transfer Station update

We have been advised some residents are being charged fees when disposing of items at the Moonee Valley Transfer Station.

Our understanding was flood-affected items would be accepted ‘free’ until 2 May. We are in discussions with Moonee Valley City Council to clarify the situation.

Enquiries should be made to Moonee Valley Transfer Station directly on 8325 1730, or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au

The station is located at 188 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie.

Hard waste collections

Hard waste collections can take place by request. Send an email with your name, address and phone number to floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au to request your collection

Building and demolition materials will not be picked up in the hard waste collections.

Residents are asked to please continue to separate liquids such as paints and oils from other hard waste to assist the collection teams in separating waste streams.

Skip bin permits

Residents now need permits for skip bins intended for demolition waste. All you need to do is ask to your skip bin provider to visit the Council website to submit an application for a permit for your residence.

Fees for permits for skip bins will be waived by Council.

More information for skip bin providers can be found at: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/skip-bin-permit

Donations via GIVIT

GIVIT continue to assist impacted communities with items and gift vouchers. If you require support, please reach out to us via: floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Anyone with goods they are wanting to donate to help flood affected families should visit the GIVIT website where offers can be lodged.

A significant amount of work has been carried out to restore the open space areas throughout Maribyrnong impacted by flooding.

This includes continuing to remove debris from impacted areas, and repairing and reopening the bicycle repair station at Footscray Park.

Upcoming works include the continued scraping of pathways and roadways to clear silt, playground repair works to restore soft fall and sand, and inspections of playground equipment to ensure compliance.

See below the current public access status of each space.  Last updated Thursday 11 May

Key:

• Closed – completely closed and taped off from public use
• In progress – partially open facilities near completion but please steer clear of any taped off areas
• Open – recovery complete and space has been fully returned to the community

Community newsletters

Council is sharing updates and information direct to email inboxes of flood impacted properties.

We heard at the community meeting concerns that some residents, particularly those who may have had to leave their properties, were not receiving information deposited in their letterbox.

While we will still be delivering the newsletter in hard copy, we hope digital distribution will ensure we are more able to reach all impacted residents.

You'll find an 'unsubscribe' option, on the e-newsletter email, should you prefer not to receive these communications.

We're reducing the frequency to weekly, on Wednesdays. We will continue to add copies to this page. 

To subscribe to receive a copy of the newsletter to your inbox below:

Subscribe now

Neighbourhood champions

We're calling for expressions of interest from residents from the flood-impacted area who might like to act as street ambassadors - working with us to ensure the right information is getting where it needs to in a way that works for residents.

If this is something you are interested in, please share your name and contact details, phone number and address (so we can ensure good street coverage) to floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au with 'street ambassador' in the subject line, and we'll come back to you.

Personal hygiene

Personal hygiene is critical. Illnesses like gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.

• Always wash your hands after handling debris before handling food. 
• Be sure to wear sturdy boots and rubber or leather gloves.
• Mosquitos can also breed rapidly and become a nuisance – cover skin with sleeves and pants, and use an insect repellent.

Children and elderly people are particularly at risk from dehydration. Ensure they drink plenty of water.

Treating open wounds

If you have an open cut or sore that has been exposed to floodwater:

• Keep it as clean as possible by washing with soap and covering with a plaster.
• Contact a doctor for further treatment, like a tetanus shot.
• If redness, swelling or discharge occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Protecting children

To help protect children:

• Do not let children play in silt or water that is lying around.
• Wash their hands frequently and always before meals.
• Do not let them play with flood-damaged toys until they have been disinfected. 

You can clean all toys that have come into contact with floodwater by:

• Soaking in a solution of 1.5 cups of household bleach in 10 litres of water (a household bucket) for two minutes. Rinse in clean water.
• Let toys air dry after cleaning. 

Dealing with contaminated food supplies

Throw away:

• Any food that has come into direct contact with floodwater.
• Any food that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.
• Canned food if the can is open, bulging or damaged.
• Food containers with screw caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soft drink bottles), twist caps, flip-top lids and home canned foods.

Drinking water

Greater Western Water says the water is safe to drink. But use bottled, boiled or disinfected water if it is dirty or cloudy; and call a plumber. 

Boil water

Boil water by:

• Keeping it at a rolling boil for one minute to make sure bacteria is killed.
• If you suspect the water may be contaminated with chemicals – only used bottled water.

Use disinfectant

Disinfect by:

• Adding ¾ of a teaspoon (4 ml) of non-scented chlorine bleach into a clean household bucket containing 10 litres of water.
• Stir the water well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using.

For infants

• Use only pre-prepared canned baby food (that is not bulging or damaged)
• Make up powdered formulas with bottled water

Where to get help

• State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
• Nurse-on-call: 1300 60 60 24 (any time, 24/7)
• Your insurance company
• Victorian Department of Health: 1300 650 172

Keep an eye out for animals

Animals and rodents

Snakes and other animals like rats, mice and spiders can lose their home during floods, and may look for shelter inside houses, sheds and other buildings. When returning to a flood-affected area remember to take care.

Wear sturdy work boots, gloves, and long pants to protect your legs when cleaning up, and watch where you place your hands and feet when removing or cleaning up debris.

If you find a snake, do not panic. Seek advice from someone who knows how to safely remove the snake or visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website or phone 136 186 for assistance. If you are bitten by a snake seek immediate medical attention by calling triple zero (000).

Mosquitos

Because there is always a lot of stagnant water lying around after any flood event, there are likely to also be more mosquitos around. Follow a few simple steps when outdoors to reduce your risk of being bitten and becoming unwell:

• cover up and wear long, loose-fitting clothing as mosquitos can bit through tight clothing
• use mosquito nets or insect screens, and repellents
• use fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat

Dealing with mould

After water enters your home, it only takes mould spores 48 hours to grow, due to consistent moisture in the air.

If you find signs of mould and mildew, brush off items outdoors to prevent spores spreading inside. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant.

Wear a mask to prevent breathing in spores.

We've managed to remove a significant amount of mud and silt from our roads and footpaths. We've also examined the drainage system to identify any issues and have now begun clearing the pipes. This work continues. 

The Centre is no longer operational. If you need support, you can email any requests or concerns to floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

This inbox is monitored 9am-5pm weekdays.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has begun soil and water testing in the flood impacted areas of Maribyrnong.

Readings from initial on the ground testing for E. Coli - the bug that causes gastroenteritis - have come back low risk. However, given flood waters carry a range of other bacteria the EPA recommends continuing to avoid contact.

EPA officers are now going door to door to collect soil samples in Maribyrnong.

Individual results will be provided directly to property owners. Phone EPA’s Contact Centre on 1300 372 842 and selecting option 8 to request yours. 

Additional water quality monitors have also been placed in the Maribyrnong River, with the monitoring data feeding into a dedicated page on EPA’s website. 

The results of Council's soil and water testing from public spaces such as parks and sports fields along 7km of the riverbank will be shared next week.

EPA soil testing results update: 28 October

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have received results from the initial 109 soil samples taken from flood-impacted areas around the Maribyrnong River.

Results received from impacted gardens and open spaces along the River indicate that contaminants are generally below levels of concern.

Some of the residential areas within Maribyrnong contain slightly higher levels, likely due to legacy contamination issues.

On Tuesday 25 October, Council held a community meeting where representatives from Council, EPA, Disaster Recovery Australia, Emergency Recovery Victoria and cohealth were in attendance to share information with the community and answer questions. 

The meeting was livestreamed, and a recording can be viewed below. 

On Thursday 15 December, we held a community meeting at Maribyrnong Community Centre with presentations given by Council, VicSES and Melbourne Water, facilitated by Victoria Police. 

View the recording of the presentations below.

Flood Recovery Hotline

State Government’s Flood Recovery Hotline is still available.

Call 1800 560 760 for help to:

1. Register for a clean-up of private property
2. Navigate financial and other support
3. Access mental health and wellbeing support

The hotline is answered daily between 7:30am and 7:30pm

For further information visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria webpage.

Case Management

Windermere has been activated as a case management referral agency for residents of Maribyrnong, providing support around longer-term accommodation.

For more information call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria webpage.

Financial Support

The Personal Hardship Assistance Program provides support to people experiencing financial hardship in emergencies.

It includes Emergency Relief Payments and Re-Establishment Assistance.

To apply, call 1300 475 170 or visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.

The Federal Government also offers a one-off lump sum payment to help those significantly impacted by the Victorian October 2022 floods.

To lodge an application visit the myGov website.

Business Support

Mentors are available to guide Business owners through other support available and help manage insurance and landlord issues, assess impacts and form strategies for recovery.

For more information visit the Business Victoria website.

Free, confidential, mental health and wellbeing support is also available.  For more information visit the Partners in Wellbeing website or phone 1300 375 330.

For up to date information visit the VicEmergency website.

For current road and traffic information visit the VicRoads website.