17 January 2023

Key stakeholders and the broader community, including impacted local residents, are now invited to take part in the review with submissions open from today until Friday 17 March 2023.

A series of six information sessions, both in person and online, will be held for the community to find out more about the review and how to make a submission.

Nick Wimbush, an independent expert in planning and the environment, will lead the review. Mr Wimbush brings more than 25 years of experience including chairing many significant public inquiries.

The review will include an examination of:

  • The causes and contributors to the Flood Event in the urban catchment, including any potential impacts of the Flemington Racecourse Flood Wall on the extent and duration of the Flood Event; and
  • Any impact of prior works or activities in the urban catchment on flood levels and extent during the Flood Event.

Melbourne Water Managing Director Nerina Di Lorenzo acknowledged Mr Wimbush’s reputation for integrity as vital to ensuring comprehensive and open review process.

Findings and any recommendations are expected to be provided to the Victorian Government later in 2023 and will be made public at the conclusion of the process.

Submissions can be made online, by post or email.

Those wanting to get involved are encouraged to visit the Melbourne Water's Maribyrnong Flood Review YourSay page for information, including details of the six community information sessions and the full terms of reference.

Go to the Maribyrnong River Flood Review page

About Nick Wimbush

Nick Wimbush is a highly experienced chairperson who has presided over more than 100 hearings, public inquiries and advisory committees including the Coastal Climate Change Advisory Committee, North East Link Project Inquiry and the West Gate Tunnel Inquiry. He has more than 25 years of experience across environmental impact assessment, planning and environmental law in Victoria and holds qualifications in law, environmental science and public policy.

The article is from Melbourne Water's media release published on 17 January 2023.