The federal inquiry into insurers’ responses to the 2022 floods is travelling to Victoria this week, with hearings set for Maribyrnong, Rochester and Heathcote. 

Victoria had its wettest October and spring on record two years ago and the Maribyrnong, Campaspe and Goulburn rivers were among those to break their banks. More than 90% of the town of Rochester was inundated.

The Maribyrnong River flood, which hit part of the suburban Melbourne electorate held by flood inquiry Chairman Daniel Mulino, devastated more than 600 homes and businesses. 

Hearings start tomorrow at the Maidstone Community Centre, with the Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley city councils, the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association, WEstjustice, GenWest, Anglicare Victoria, Planning Institute of Australia Victoria Division and Melbourne Water to appear. 

The inquiry travels to Rochester on Thursday and will hear from the Strathbogie, Gannawarra and Greater Shepparton councils, FamilyCare, Rochester Community House and Rochester Flood Recovery Committee. 

On Friday in Heathcote, the Greater Bendigo, Mitchell, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander councils will address the committee, followed by Alliance Consulting and Go Seymour. 

Time has also been set aside each day for community members to speak about their experiences.  

The House of Representatives committee inquiry is visiting the hardest-hit regions after completing its Canberra hearings. It has visited Caboolture and Logan in Queensland and Lismore in northern NSW, and is expected to visit more regional areas after this week, with hearings in Far North Queensland and Tasmania flagged. 

More than 400 people have completed an online survey, and the committee has also received 45 submissions. A final report is due by September 30.