Community values help shape future Maribyrnong flood defences
Melbourne Water has released its Phase 1 Feedback Report for the Maribyrnong River Catchment Flood Mitigation Study, based on community engagement from May to June. The report captures community’s views and vision for the region’s future flood-risk management.
During the engagement, community members emphasised the need to prioritise the protection of homes. Participants told us that the most important thing is safeguarding residences, personal property and safety, whether impacted by the 2022 floods or, at risk during future events. Local residents understand that this safeguarding work may require the temporary closure of parks, playgrounds and riverbank paths to enhance flood defences. The community also highlighted the importance of roads, bridges, public transport routes and health services remaining functional during emergencies. They want mitigation measures that strengthen these critical connections.
“Phase 1 has given us clear guidance: protect homes, enhance emergency facilities and respect the river and the surrounding environment,” said Chris Brace, Melbourne Water Executive General Manager of Service Futures. “These findings will shape the assessment of potential mitigation approaches.”
The community also emphasised the importance of health and wellbeing, urging the integration of mental health support, social cohesion initiatives, and resilience-building programs into both solution design and communications.
The community shared their personal stories, including childhood fishing trips, family gatherings and cultural ceremonies on the Maribyrnong River. The community told us that we must preserve ecological and cultural values alongside flood risk reduction.
Building on Phase 1 insights, Phase 2 will commence in late 2025 and will include:
- Expanding catchment-wide engagement via workshops, drop-in sessions and online surveys to include more voices in the conversation.
- Releasing a long list of flood mitigation options for public review.
- Publishing the evaluation criteria informed by Phase 1 feedback.
- Inviting targeted community feedback and rankings on these options to identify which solutions will advance for further development and assessment.
This next phase aims to ensure that safety, community values and technical rigour continue to guide the study’s progress.
“We are grateful for the contributions of the Maribyrnong community who know and love the river. Their energy, insights and personal stories will help us shape flood mitigation solutions that resonate deeply with our community’s priorities,” said Brace. “We thank everyone for their commitment, openness, and collaboration in creating a safer, more resilient Maribyrnong catchment.”
Stay involved
Visit Maribyrnong River catchment flood mitigation study Let's Talk page and click “follow” for updates, technical documents and details of upcoming engagement activities.
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