Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland will welcome her Nationals colleagues to Seymour next month to meet with community members impacted by the October 2022 floods.
Ms Cleeland will be joined by Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, both who have been involved with the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.
The trio will be touring Seymour on Tuesday, September 5, and will hold conversations with residents, local businesses, and community groups that suffered as a result of last year’s floods.
Ms Cleeland emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by Seymour in its recovery from the flood event, and the need for reforms in warning systems, response, and mitigation measures.
“Together, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Having Melina and Gaelle meet with community members will ensure that the challenges faced by the Seymour community are heard and understood.”
Seymour is set to host public hearings for the inquiry on September 14, with the area one of the worst-affected regions in the state. Ms Cleeland said the hearings will help understand the challenges facing Seymour’s recovery.
“Hosting a public hearing is a massive win for the Seymour community who have been pushing hard for this since the committee’s establishment,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is an opportunity to give our region the best chance possible at having local recommendations included in the final report.
“Having our local voices guide the change needed for the community is so important and will demonstrate how powerful community advocacy can be.”
Ms Cleeland also extended an invitation to any individuals or businesses throughout the region that are yet to receive their flood support payments, or have had difficulty with the process, to contact her at Annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au or by calling (03) 5762 1600.
