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Call for clarity on managing flood levees

The temporary aluminium levee successfully protected Nathalia from floodwaters earlier this year. - ABC

A parliamentary committee is calling for greater clarity on who owns, funds and maintains Victoria's flood levees.

Floods have affected homes and farms across more than a third of the state since late 2010.

The management of flood levees has emerged as a big problem, particularly in Victoria's north.

An inquiry began last year and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee has now tabled its report.

Chairman David Koch says it has made 40 recommendations.

"There's little doubt from the committee's point of view that much work needs to be done, particularly in the areas of ownership and maintenance of levees," he said.

Mr Koch says there is also a need to better harness local knowledge of waterways.

'Some of that was, I think, unwittingly, probably overlooked, particularly in northern Victoria," he said.

The report also says local governments should consider sharing temporary levees to limit damage.

A temporary levee helped to prevent flooding in the town of Nathalia when it was used for the first time this year.

Mr Koch says temporary levees are very expensive.

"It's terribly important that municipalities who are fortunate to see their way clear to be able to purchase some of these temporary levees to be able to share these with their neighbouring LGAs [local government areas]."

Premier Ted Baillieu says the Government will consider the suggestions.

"The report has obviously canvassed a lot of issues which we expressed concerns about and that's why the committee was charged with that task," he said.

"There are number of recommendations. The government will look carefully at those recommendations, work with communities and will respond to those recommendations in the usual manner."

The Government has six months to respond.


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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