Maribyrnong City Council held a community session last Thursday for western Melbourne residents affected by the October 2022 flood.

Consumer advocacy groups were also there to provide guidance on legal issues such as disputing an insurer’s claim decision. Consumer Action Law Centre managing lawyer Philippa Heir, who attended the session, says many residents are still struggling to make headway with their insurers.

“It is shocking that coming up to the two-year anniversary of the flood event, people are continuing to experience issues in relation to their flood insurance claims,” she told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Disappointingly, it seems to be more of the same issues we have seen over the past two years, including insurers making what appear to be low-ball cash settlement offers, which people do not think will be enough based on their own quotes.

“It was heartbreaking to hear about the continuing struggles of people impacted by these events.”

Significant flooding hit the urban catchment of the Maribyrnong River on October 14 2022, affecting about 100 homes.