Some homes were impacted for weeks, with residents alleging they had limited formal assistance because they are considered to be in a floodplain, and it’s ‘just bad luck’.
In the wake of that devastation, residents called on all levels of government to investigate how impacts on some residents might have been avoided, and make necessary chances for the future.
That work is finally progressing, with Edward River Council last week starting early investigation works of the north Deniliquin levee.
It marks the beginning of a long-anticipated upgrade project, also identified in the Floodplain Risk Management Plan, and now supported by dedicated funding.
The investigations aim to inform the design of future works to strengthen the levee wall and explore temporary flood defence measures.
David St Leon, who with wife Debbie was evacuated from his Hodgkins St home during the 2022 flood, cautiously welcomed the progress but expressed hope that council will “genuinely listen” to the concerns of north Deniliquin.
The St Leons and their neighbours have long been critical of what they see as a lack of decision-making around the levee bank requirements and maintenance schedule between the Deniliquin National/Kolety Bridge and the Brick Kiln Creek Bridge on Davidson St.
Mr St Leon said he also cannot understand why north Deniliquin is still classified as a floodplain, and therefore left to flood while a formal levee protects the areas south of the National bridge.
“There’s more than 200 houses and more than 60 businesses in North Deni, and it’s not fair that it’s been classed as a floodplain,” he said.
“As long as council listen to the community - the residents of north Deniliquin pay rates just like everyone, and should be heard.”
He also hopes that the new funding will help address issues that have previously gone unchecked, such as a lack of maintenance of some parts of the levee.
In early 2023, as floodwaters were still subsiding, Mr St Leon and his neighbours demanded permanent and “sanctioned” flood protection for north Deniliquin.
“When the water rose to a certain level the gates were put in (the formal town cement levee) at George St, which just means the water has nowhere to go but up on our side (of the bridge),” Geoff Hudson said at the time.
“We just want to be protected to the same level as the rest of the town.”
The residents say even a “properly built earthen levee” would suffice in protecting North Deni, provided it was done to engineering standards and adequately maintained.
They said it must be built on the north and south sides of Davidson St.
Council has engaged engineering firm CurryPM to lead the initial phase of the new assessment and upgrades, and coordinate sub-consultants to shape the overall scope of the north levee project.
Once it has a clearer understanding of the existing structures and funding constraints, findings will be shared with the public.
Council is also developing a communications plan to ensure community members can contribute local flood knowledge to the project.
The first stage of works is expected to be completed by early February 2026, with the full upgrade scheduled for completion by late 2027.
In addition, council has secured grant funding for a Major Overland Flow Flood Study (MOFFS).
As part of this initiative, a Flood Risk Management Committee will be established to provide a formal avenue for community input.
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