A new state government flood risk register has exposed a chronic underfunding of storm water infrastructure exposing households and businesses to flooding, higher insurance premiums, as well as construction and renovation costs.
Shadow Minister for Planning, Richard Riordan, said: "The development of the flood risk register is another example of the government forcing households and businesses to pay for the infrastructure to support its housing density push.
"Hundreds of thousands of Victorians over the next few years will see their homes listed as an expensive flood risk because the Victorian Government simply has not funded basic drainage upgrades to keep pace with development.
"A sick budget and poor planning continues to add to the housing affordability crisis in Victoria."
Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, said the government has abandoned communities and left them vulnerable to increasing risk through their failure to make the appropriate investments in water infrastructure and update flood mapping more quickly.
"The government knew after an inquiry into the 2022 floods that maps were outdated - yet still allowed homes to be built on flood overlays.
"The risk and impact felt by those subjected to riverine flooding is now being faced by urban households and businesses because of government underfunding water infrastructure.
"Families should be able to rely on government to protect them, not abandon them." Mr McCurdy said.
"The draft flood plans released today are yet another example from a government that can't manage money, can't provide basic drainage infrastructure the community expects and the consequence is Victorians must pay more."
"It's time for a Fresh Start."
