2022-10-15
The Victorian Greens have said every gambling entity about to bank millions at the Spring Racing Carnival – including Racing Victoria – must help fund the flood relief effort in Victoria after the current flood waters subside.
The flooding over the past 48 hours has seen residents along the Maribyrnong River forced to evacuate their homes in rubber dinghies to protect them from rising water levels.
Meanwhile their cars and homes are at risk of irreparable damage from the overflowing River.
However, the Flemington Racecourse has remained untouched, as a result of a flood wall that was installed years ago by Labor in an effort to protect the grass from flood damage.
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said the wall was symbolic of Labor’s priorities and that the gambling industry had a responsibility to help with the state’s flood relief efforts.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
“Yesterday areas of Kensington were under metres of water while the Flemington Racecourse was kept largely dry by a flood wall, pushed through by a Labor Government at the expense of the community and against the wishes of Council.
“At the time the Council said that if this flood wall was built, the water wouldn't be able to dissipate and would be pushed towards homes, and homes would be flooded.
“This is exactly what we’ve seen. Yesterday we saw people along the Maribyrnong River lose everything. We’ve seen people lose cars, lose homes, and lose all their possessions.
“Yet the Labor Government’s priority was to protect the profits of the gambling and racing industry.
“Once these flood waters subside, Racing Victoria and every associated gambling entity about to bank millions at the Spring Racing Carnival better be ready to stump up the cash to help with the flood clean up effort.”