The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is calling on the Minister for Water for clarity on the responsibility of urban & rural levee banks along the Murray and Avoca River.
“I have met with councils across the region, and between state departments and local government it’s not always clear who pays for what, and how much each should pay when it comes to environmental infrastructure.”
“Local councils often go cap in hand to the Federal & State Governments seeking funding to establish levee banks however, in the case of Crown and rural levee banks no responsibility is put on a specific body for the upkeep or maintenance.
“Regional Victorians know what it is to face major flooding events and other disasters and our levee banks play a significant part to protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Ms Benham.
“Leaving Crown land and rural levee banks to deteriorate is not in anyway a solution and we need clarity for safety’s sake.”
The Liberals and Nationals have secured a parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and service delivery.
“Once the inquiry opens, I encourage both Local Councils and residents to make submissions to the inquiry.”
