Melbourne has a growing reputation for being an area prone to flash floods. Many suburbs, from north to south, have vulnerable areas. Each year, millions of dollars in damages to private property are required through emergency flood restoration services and even public rebuilding projects. Whilst insurance can sometimes be helpful, premiums can rise when frequently making claims – instead, residents are forced to take matters into their own hands.
In this article, we will discuss seven suburbs that are particularly prone to flooding and the factors contributing to their susceptibility.
Footscray
Footscray is located in Melbourne’s inner-west, about 5 km from the CBD. The suburb is crossed by the Maribyrnong River, which has been known to flood during heavy rainfall. The relatively flat terrain and dense urban development mean that rainwater tends to pool in low-lying areas, increasing the risk of flash floods. In particular, under a railway bridge a couple of years ago.
Richmond
Around 3 km east of Melbourne’s CBD lays Richmond. The Yarra River flows juxtapositioned to this area of Melbourne, and its banks are prone to overflowing during periods of heavy rain. Richmond’s topography features a series of valleys and slopes that channel water towards lower areas, which is another major factor, along with the construction of high-density residential developments.
Kensington
Kensington is situated close to the Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds Creek – you can see where this is going. These waterways have been responsible for past flooding events in the suburb, particularly during extreme rainfall events. Additionally, parts of Kensington are built on low-lying land, making them more susceptible to flooding.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is an inner-city suburb located 2 km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD. Being close to Richmond, it suffers from similar issues due to the nearby rivers when there’s heavy rain. The suburb’s urban landscape, with its many impermeable surfaces, contributes to increased surface runoff. Things got so bad recently that the Fitzroy River bridge – a critical bridge for the area – was destroyed. A replacement was recently announced, and it’s claimed it will be “six times stronger” this time around.
Abbotsford
The eastern areas of Melbourne are particularly vulnerable to flooding, which is why it’s no surprise Abbotsford makes the list too. With similar risk factors as its neighbouring hoods, permeable surfaces and green areas have been introduced to try to help ease the impact of the foods – this is where high-density urban buildings can perpetuate the problem.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s diverse landscape and proximity to waterways make some of its suburbs more susceptible to flooding than others. Footscray, Richmond, Kensington, Fitzroy, and Abbotsford are all susceptible, but so are Collingwood, Prahran, and many other neighbourhoods. The main risk factors are low-lying areas, ageing stormwater infrastructure, and proximity to rivers.
It is essential for residents in these areas to remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding events. Investing in flood mitigation measures and being aware of the availability of emergency flood restoration services can help minimise damage and ensure a quicker recovery in the aftermath of a flood.
