The Victorian government’s flood inquiry has tabled its final report, detailing 73 recommendations and 90 findings following the catastrophe of October 2022.

More than 10,000 insurance claims were lodged in the state, totalling $489 million, as the Maribyrnong, Campaspe and Goulburn rivers were among those to break their banks. More than 90% of the town of Rochester was inundated.

The Victorian Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s work is separate to the federal government’s inquiry into the 2022 floods, which is expected to report by October 18.

The state report says the significant challenges faced by insurers and policyholders “underscore the urgent need for enhanced national co-ordination and reform in disaster insurance practices”.

Recommendation 72 says that after the federal inquiry is complete, the Victorian government should “advocate to the Commonwealth government that it take action to ensure residents and businesses in flood-affected areas can obtain and maintain necessary insurance”.

The report also says homeowners affected by the October 2022 catastrophe should be prioritised under a proposal to raise or retrofit at-risk residences in Victoria.

It suggests the use of “ring levees” to protect homes and surrounding land in flood-prone areas such as northern Victoria.

The committee calls for increased funding for the State Emergency Service and local search and rescue teams, and found delayed or inaccurate information contributed to confusion among communities during the floods.

The report recommends improvements to early warning systems and flood governance arrangements for emergency services, including clarity around chains of command and communication protocols.

“For government, one of the most critical roles going forward is accurately and honestly informing communities about risk,” committee chair Ryan Batchelor said.

“New flood modelling is being undertaken across all Melbourne catchments, and flood studies across the state should be regularly undertaken.”

The 18-month inquiry gathered evidence from 800 submissions and 13 days of public hearings involving hundreds of witnesses at Rochester, Echuca, Seymour, Mooroopna and Melbourne.

Committee members also inspected flood-hit sites in Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, Flemington and Echuca.

“This inquiry was an important way to give a voice to those who had lost so much because of these floods,” Mr Batchelor said. “Nothing can bring back the homes and businesses destroyed, nor the lives tragically lost in this flood event, but honest learning and a determination to enact change is a fitting and lasting tribute.”

Click here to read the full report.