STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CHESTERS (Bendigo) (13:38): This month marks three years since the devastating floods that hit Rochester and parts of my electorate in October 2022. Yesterday was the three-year anniversary of when the rain started falling, which would go on to lead to Victoria's worst flood disaster on record, impacting 81 per cent of the state's local government areas. In my electorate of Bendigo, towns such as Heathcote, Huntly, Axedale, Marong, Campbells Creek and Rochester all experienced floodwaters above the floorboards.

In the area of Rochester, the majority of the town's 3,000 constituents were displaced, with many forced into temporary accommodation. Three years on, some residents still can't return home—I acknowledge them today in this speech—and this is due to ongoing insurance disputes and building delays. It's unacceptable that, as I stand here today, they still are not in their homes.

This has resulted in continued emotional, mental and financial distress for these families. Three years on, this is a call to action. Whilst we at the federal level continue to work with local and state governments to improve flood mitigation to reduce disaster risk and build long-term resilience in our communities, we must also work collaboratively with the insurance industry on finding a better pathway not just for the constituents of Rochester but for all constituents.

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