Flemington Floodwall Floods Flemington to Save The Melbourne Cup

BRIAN SOCKINGTON: A rain bomb of atomic proportions has exploded over Victoria, leaving thousands of homes across the state inundated by flood waters. Regional townships are receiving support from the Australian Defence Force, while up to 500 homes around the inner city suburb of Flemington have been left devastated by the catastrophic event…

But the Spring Racing Carnival is set to kick off at the famous Flemington Racecourse, spared from flooding by a government-approved wall built by the Victorian Racing Club over 10 years ago. And that means a return to the Glitz and Glamour of the Melbourne Cup, for those lucky enough to not be bucketing flood-water out of their lounge rooms. Christinea Soleitch begins our coverage.

CHRISTINEA SOLEITCH: “It’s the Race the Stops a Nation, Melbourne’s biggest party set to take over the dry, pristine lawns of Flemington Racecourse once again – up to 90,000 socialites, alcoholics and problem gamblers ready to kick up their heels thanks to the VRC and state government’s decision in 2007 to erect this huge floodwall around the 1.3 square kilometer floodplain the racecourse was built on. CEO of Racing Victoria Andrew Jones told Channel 9’s Today show that while the floodwall has created a difficult situation for nearby residents, he was ultimately pleased with the decision.

Of course, racing is a winner’s game, and with a turnover of 1.88 billion dollars from wagering last year, taxed at 10% by the Labor government, it’s no surprise that all measures have been taken to safeguard the Melbourne Cup, no matter the circumstance. That’s why the VRC was granted a special exemption by Melbourne City Council from having to make any future referrals or applications to Melbourne Water, so the winning is set to continue. And while there were a few party-pooping protesters opposed to the construction of a floodwall so close to their houses, most Melbournians adopted a more laid back approach to a decision.

CODY BOOTLINER: Those protesters just don’t get the basics, do they? Floodplains get flooded! You’re the VRC. You made $172 million dollars in revenue last year, and your Racing Carnival venue turns over $724 million dollars in just 4 days… Of course you’re gonna wall off the racecourse man! They could probably finish Trump’s wall too…

BELLA SOLEITCH: Well, I’m sorry for the flooded peoples, but I LOVE da racing. You wear something sexy, have the Champagne, pash the hot boys in the toilets, and maybe if I win some money, I’ll buy a those flooded people a coffee or something? 

CHRISTINEA: So while it may be a sad time for some, Melbourne’s priorities in spring are as apparent as ever. And with a racecourse as dry as a martini, all is set for the 162nd running of the Melbourne Cup, the equal 67th best Group 1 horse race in the world.

BRIAN: The Andrews government has backed an investigation into the impact the Flemington Floodwall has had on nearby residents currently underwater. The investigation will be conducted by Melbourne Water, which is owned by the Victorian Government and chaired by John Thwaites, who was deputy Victorian premier and water minister for Labor when they approved the wall in 2007. And to ensure a favourable outcome for the government, Nick Wimbush will lead the investigation after his stellar work preventing a review of Labor’s West Gate Tunnel project, currently 4.1 billion dollars over budget, from being released publicly.

BRIAN: We cross now to INN’s The Drudge in the INN Super’Copter for an update on the Flemington Floods, The Drudge, what are you noticing from up there?

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: Yes, you can see just how well the wall is keeping water off the racecourse where it would have been, and into areas that aren’t hosting the famous race. Just how close did the Racecourse get to having water on it? 

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: Incredible. And turning our attention for a moment to the unlucky ones living near the floodwall. When will they get their properties cleaned up? I mean, high profile guests are already arriving? 

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: Well, it’s unsightly, isn’t it, for a big international event like this?

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: HAHA! Oh, you are a naughty one, The Drudge! Perhaps they’re luck will turn around with a little wager on the phillies – maybe win a little money for repairs and refurbishing? 

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: Yup, well, you’ve gotta be in it to win it, they say… By the way, do you have a cup tip for our viewers?

THE DRUDGE: [undecipherable]

BRIAN: Sounds like a certainty! Thanks The Drudge and we’ll see you again soon.

BRIAN: There you go, the hot tip from The Drudge there, yet another reason to watch INN Sandy!

SANDY HOSIER: Oh, I don’t gamble on the horses Brian, but I’ve got $500 on Richard Wilkins’ son winning Fashions on the Field this year! 

BRIAN: Another great tip! You know I’ve never understood fashion – those people all seem so ‘clothes’ minded…

SANDY: Yes, yes – very good Brian