Victorian Bureaucrats Warned of Dam Spill Risk Ahead of State Poll

Senior Victorian public servants privately warned the former Andrews government that potential dam spills in Melbourne’s water catchment posed a political risk in the lead-up to the 2022 state election, documents reveal.

The internal briefings, prepared by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, highlighted community concerns and the possibility of negative publicity if major dams like the Thomson or Upper Yarra spilled following heavy rainfall. This advice came as water storages were rapidly filling after years of drought.

While the advice focused on communication strategies and public perception, it underscores the high-stakes balance the government faced in managing essential water infrastructure for Melbourne and regional communities. The Thomson Dam, a critical part of Melbourne’s water supply, is located in Gippsland.

A government spokesman stated all operational decisions were made by water authorities independently and were based on safety and supply, not political considerations. Melbourne’s water storage levels currently sit above 80% capacity.

The revelation provides a rare glimpse into the public service’s role in anticipating local issues that could influence Victorian voters, with infrastructure management remaining a key concern for communities across the state.