Improve the capacity of the Incident Management Operations through:
a. resourcing and renumeration of the IMT - strengthen the model of incident management team to better optimise structures and performance; and

Public Messaging - increase the rate of dissemination, reach and effectiveness of public information and communication channels to improve the flow of critical messaging by:

Recovery Arrangements - shore-up recovery structures and systems to better streamline and sustain arrangements during transition by:

By August 2024, the NSW Reconstruction Authority should develop a whole of government plan for temporary housing to coordinate future temporary housing responses to emergency events

By August 2024, the NSW Reconstruction Authority should review the temporary housing waitlist to determine the current extent of unmet need

By August 2024, the NSW Reconstruction Authority should determine a timeline for demobilising the temporary housing villages and transitioning tenants out of temporary housing

By August 2024, the NSW Reconstruction Authority should develop a strategy to manage the transition of people into long-term accommodation, taking into account recommendations from relevant reviews

By August 2024, the NSW Reconstruction Authority should develop a process for a state-wide recovery lessons learned process and facilitate this being completed each year in coordination with the State Recovery Committee.

By December 2024, all audited agencies should: finalise evaluations of their role in the provision of emergency accommodation and temporary housing for the Northern Rivers and Central West flood events, and incorporate lessons learned into future planning and continuous improvement.

By December 2024, all audited agencies should develop internal plans for implementing whole-of-government responsibilities under the Welfare Functional Area Supporting Plan and any plan developed as a result of recommendation one. This may include, as appropriate, the agency's:

That the Victorian Government fund the pilot of a ring levee development program in Northern Victoria to protect house and curtilage in flood-prone areas.

That the Victorian Government clarify responsibility for flood mitigation infrastructure, with clear accountability and transparency for who is responsible for each asset.

As part of the development of the new Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy, that the Victorian Government review the operation of the last Strategy, in consultation with local councils, community representatives, expert advisory groups and other relevant stakeholders

That the Victorian Government improve the flood warning system so that warnings are:
- accurate with the most up-to-date information
- delivered in a timely way
- clear and easily understood
- consistently disseminated across different communities

That the Victorian Government ensure that major flood mitigation measures be assessed and reviewed to ensure they perform as intended.

The transfer of ownership and responsibility for public gauges to the Bureau of Meteorology should be completed as a priority, and the Victorian Government should request the Commonwealth Government provide a public update by the end of 2024 on these transfer timelines.

That the Victorian Government’s review of the last Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy (and development of the new Strategy) examine levee funding and management arrangements to determine if they are still fit for purpose based on new information and insights from the October 2022 flood even

That the Victorian Government ensure the emergency warning system is inclusive and able to be used by all Victorians, and should:
- include real-time translation of warnings into multiple languages during a crisis event

That the Victorian Government ensure regional catchment management authorities, with local councils, are funded and resourced to conduct and implement up to date flood studies on a regular basis.

That the efficacy and impact of the Flemington Racecourse flood wall be considered as part of Melbourne Water’s review of mitigation in the Maribyrnong River catchment announced following the updated flood modelling.

That the Victorian Government and the Victoria State Emergency Service work with:
a. New South Wales to finalise the MOU that has been initiated, and to make it publicly available

That the Victorian Government review the Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy to examine issues around rural levee management.

That the Victorian Government, in collaboration with the Victoria State Emergency Service, review its approach to evacuation warnings to identify opportunities for improvement and increased community responsiveness.

That the Victorian Government develop a strategic rescue plan in areas at high risk of flooding, so that they have appropriate resources and expertise for rescues during a crisis event.

That the Victorian Government work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are not unduly burdensome.

That the Victorian Government further investigate options for increasing outlet capacity at Lake Eppalock. This investigation should involve:
- conducting a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate financial feasibility

That the Victorian Government collaborate with local authorities and community groups to develop and implement a debris management strategy and ensure that it aligns with broader disaster management plans as part of future-proofing for environmental events.

That the Victorian Government audit transport links in and out of disaster-prone areas.

That the Victorian Government increase funding to Shepparton and Echuca and Moama Search and Rescue squads to ensure optimal response capabilities in future emergencies.

That the Victorian Government prioritise investment in betterment projects to improve the resilience of mitigation infrastructure, and in doing so work with the Commonwealth Government to achieve this goal.

That the Victorian Government identify and fill critical gaps in the state’s gauge network. New gauges should be installed in priority locations as soon as possible, and existing gauges should be upgraded with telemetry services.

That the Victorian Government ensure that the state’s existing culvert infrastructure in high-risk flood areas is fit for purpose, and that the Government also consult with local councils and other relevant stakeholders and prioritise betterment in any upgrade works deemed necessary.

That the Victorian Government’s response to this Inquiry identifies the responsible authorities for each recommendation and provides a timeframe for action and reports back to Parliament on progress made implementing the recommendations.

That the Victoria State Emergency Service undertake a strategic review of its resources, leadership and personnel allocation.

In line with Recommendation 58, that the Victorian Government, working with local councils, investigate options for emergency funding arrangements to assist operating Emergency Relief Centres and include these arrangements in statewide operating guidelines.

That the Victorian Government adapt policies and funding models to prioritise betterment initiatives, including ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively to meet long-term needs of at-risk communities, and in doing so work with the Commonwealth Government to achieve this goal.

That Emergency Management Victoria work with local government authorities and local State Emergency Service units to provide access to local flood guides to all residents in a flood zone, that identify the likely flood impacts on individual properties.

Given the essential role of digital connectivity in emergency management and response, that the Victorian Government, working with the Commonwealth Government as necessary, address connectivity limitations, focusing on rural and remote areas. Potential options to consider are the need for:

That the Victorian Government develop community-based initiatives and resource-sharing mechanisms, fostering resilience and solidarity among towns facing challenges from environmental disasters.

That the Victorian Government plan and resource recovery hubs (including online access) sufficiently to fulfil their role in long-term community recovery and resilience building.

That the Victorian Government clearly state the operational role and responsibilities of each emergency service in preparation for a flood emergency, outlining the appropriate chain of command, communication protocols, and engagement with the local community.

That the Victorian Government increase funding for training of volunteers to boost the capacity of State Emergency Service units and Shepparton and Echuca and Moama Search and Rescue squads to respond during emergencies.

That the Victorian Government improve individual and community awareness about their own roles and responsibilities in emergency management, and make available information resources for preparing for flood and other emergencies.

That the Victorian Government review its framework for providing housing support following an environmental disaster.

That the Victorian Government introduce amendments to the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic) to require vendor disclosure statements to include a simple statement on flood risk. In addition, houses or dwellings previously flooded must be included in any vendor declaration statement.

That the Victorian Government simplify the application process for disaster recovery funding. This could include reducing paperwork, providing hands-on assistance and investigating technology to streamline processes.

That the Victorian Government ensure early warning systems include consideration of a voluntary register of people in need of additional support to receive early warning and support during natural disasters.

That the Victorian Government recognise caravan parks as essential businesses in disaster-prone areas as providers of housing and emergency support and ensure support is available (including grants) under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to caravan park operators, including those operating

That the Victorian Government ensure that, for future events that are expected to replicate high storage and high rainfall conditions, new temporary operating rules for water storage and release are developed.

That the Victorian Government evaluate the criteria and funding arrangements for financial assistance post-disaster with a view to:
a. better aligning support with costs of recovery

That the Victorian Government establish long-term community awareness initiatives to ensure the public understand flood risk and actions. Successful bushfire awareness campaigns could be used as a basis for such initiatives.

That the Victorian Government fast-track the implementation of flood studies into planning schemes.

That following the outcomes of the House of Representatives’ Inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major floods claims, the Victorian Government advocate to the Commonwealth Government that it take action to ensure that residents and businesses in flood-affected areas can obtain and maintain n

To assist with ongoing clean-up of flood-affected areas following disasters, that the Victorian Government establish a dedicated financial support program for local businesses involved in debris removal and restoration efforts.

That the Victorian Government, working with local councils, establish statewide operating guidelines for Emergency Relief Centres. These guidelines should include protocols on rapid activation, streamlined communication and resource mobilisation.

That the Victorian Government pay its bills on time, especially following natural disasters.

That the Victorian Government introduce amendments to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) and Victoria Planning Provisions so that planning and other authorities must address climate change at all levels of the planning process.

That the Victorian Government provide long-term funding contracts for mental health services in flood-affected regions, with a focus to securing dedicated mental health professionals and effective service delivery in communities impacted by natural disasters.

That Melbourne Water and other floodplain management authorities review flood models every five years and update the models at least every 10 years and after the occurrence of a major flood.

To improve the management and distribution of sandbags during a flood event, that the Victorian Government:
- ensure that there is sufficient supply quantity of sandbags available for preparation for floods in a wet year.

That regional local councils work closely with their regional catchment management authorities to better understand, manage, and mitigate the risk of building on floodplains in regional Victoria.

That the Victorian Government provide Victorians with access to appropriate data contained within the FloodZoom platform

That the Victorian Government increase funding and support for the Victoria State Emergency Service to enable a comprehensive upgrade of emergency communication technologies, ensure a steady supply of critical response resources, and expand volunteer recruitment and retention programs, thereby bo

That the Victorian Government, noting that repair of natural environment is often overlooked in disaster recovery, assess and make funding available for natural environment and restoration.

That Victoria’s strategic land use planning limit inappropriate new housing and business developments inside 1% AEP floodplains.

That the Victorian Government ensure that incident control centres include a mechanism for local expertise to be included in their operations and help inform processes to assist managing localised warnings and response.

That the Victorian Government work with floodplain management authorities and climate scientists to understand how flood modelling can be used to better predict the impact of climate change on flooding and update its flood management policies in line with this understanding.

That, following a significant natural disaster such as the 2022 flood, the Inspector-General for Emergency Management conduct a review at an appropriate time to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

That the Victorian Government support residents within 1% AEP floodplains, including with funded programs, to manage the risk facing their existing properties and make their properties more flood resilient.

That the Victorian Government fund floodplain managers to develop maps modelling scenarios demonstrating the impact on landholders of specified levee breeches.

That the Victorian Government confirm the powers of the Inspector-General for Emergency Management to undertake reviews on a self-referral basis or, if such powers do not exist, to legislate to provide these powers.

That the Victorian Government fund a resilient homes program to raise or retrofit residential properties at risk of flood inundation, and which prioritises homeowners affected by the 2022 flood event.

That the Victorian Government ensure that future flood mitigation efforts include updated and rigorous hydraulic modelling before implementation, ensuring the effectiveness of compensatory measures.

That the Victorian Government require peer review of publicly funded flood modelling as part of the next Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy.

That the Victorian Government consider all the evidence, findings and recommendations from this Report when developing a new Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy.

That the Victorian Government require planning authorities, floodplain management authorities and other relevant actors to take account of the change in land use and especially projected changes to land use when setting flood levels for planning and development and the application of the land sub

That the Victorian Government provide flood risk and planning information in a way that is appropriately accessible to people with additional needs, including people with disability.

That the Victorian Government require the emergency management sector to ensure that the needs of vulnerable communities including people with disability are included in all disaster preparation and response plans and ensure that sufficient funding is available to make all disaster emergency resp

That the Victorian Government improve the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of the VicEmergency service during an emergency.

That the new Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy detail the coordination responsibility of the Victorian Government to ensure all flood studies for all local government areas are fully funded and completed.

That the Victorian Government make public the internal, de-identified after-action review conducted by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

That the Victorian Government use the experience of warnings transmitted during the 2022 flood event to identify and adopt best practice for community warning frequency.

That the Victorian Government work to support better collaboration between local communities, contractors, and government agencies, ensuring swift deployment of additional human resources for efficient post-disaster clean-up efforts.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority repurpose the funding previously provided for one-off spontaneous volunteering grants to each local council to support a more comprehensive, targeted approach to building community capability to support informal volunteering comprised of:

The State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the NSW State Emergency Management Plan be updated to recognise the contribution of emergency volunteers.

That NSW update its ‘Become an Emergency Volunteer’ webpage to be a more effective and engaging single-entry point for people seeking information about emergency volunteering opportunities and pathways, support available for emergency volunteers, and how to respond as an informal volunteer.

The NSW State Emergency Management Plan be updated to recognise and expressly enable the use of informal volunteers as part of emergency management arrangements.

The State Emergency Management Committee’s Community Engagement Strategy and Action Plan be refreshed to include a stronger focus on building community capability by equipping community with the practical tools and resources needed to respond in an emergency as an informal volunteer.

That to build the capability of member agencies to use informal volunteers and embed this in doctrine and operations, the State Emergency Management Committee:

The State Emergency Management Committee Capability Development Sub Committee develop and implement a strengthened, collective approach to emergency services volunteer workforce planning and capability development to better understand and prepare for the anticipated increased demand for volunteer

The State Emergency Management Committee consider annually and report via its annual report on the state of the emergency services volunteering workforce, trends in volunteering and implications for capacity and capability.

That NSW’s volunteer-based emergency services organisations improve and align data collection in relation to their volunteer workforce, to build a better understanding of the nature and experience of emergency volunteers and support better planning and decision making.

The State Emergency Management Committee develop an Action Plan to grow and strengthen the emergency services volunteering workforce. The Action Plan should be aligned to the NSW Volunteering Strategy’s Focus Areas, and include the development and implementation of:

The Minister for Emergency Services establish a new state-based emergency volunteering award, to improve recognition of emergency volunteers.

The State Emergency Management Committee issue guidelines to support member agencies to:
a. Refresh sub and supporting plans to the State Emergency Management Plan (including regional and local emergency management plans) to identify how and when informal volunteers will be used.

That NSW develop and prosecute with the Commonwealth Government a platform of priority initiatives and reforms the Commonwealth should pursue to better support emergency volunteering and build community capability, in partnership with other States and Territories.

That the National Climate Service establish best practice for climate service providers in Australia, either via a climate service provider accreditation scheme or climate service standards.

That the Australian Government establish a multidisciplinary Advisory Committee with an independent Chair to inform priorities and support the focus on user needs (including representatives from Commonwealth, state and local governments, First Nations Australians, the private sector, climate scie

That the Australian Government ensure the National Climate Service has adequate budget allocation to reasonably meet escalating needs for a national climate service capability.

That the National Climate Service 5.2 establish a portal for climate information, products and services sourced from across a range of quality assured providers that:
5.2.1. gradually builds over time a library of open-source climate information products and services