The parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s major floods of October 2022 has provided a four-week extension to its submission deadline, with community input now due by June 5.
The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is investigating the state’s preparedness for and response to the disaster, a move heavily supported by The Nationals in Parliament.
The Committee is considering what caused or contributed to the flooding and the adequacy and effectiveness of early warning systems.
Emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies and the Victorian Planning Framework will also be key to the inquiry.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was pleased that the window for submissions has been extended to allow impacted communities across regional Victoria to have their voice heard.
“The upcoming inquiry into the devastating event will allow residents from these affected communities to have their voices heard,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This will be a great start on the road to recovery and the campaign to better prepare the region, and the state, against future flood events.
“Unfortunately, there were too many residents across our electorate impacted by the floods, and I encourage those people to have their say on what worked, and what could be improved on in case we face a similar situation in the future.
“The people who experienced the floods first-hand — and few people saw it more than those in our local towns such as Seymour and Nagambie — are in the best position to make sure we are more prepared for the future and need to be part of this major government inquiry.
“Extending the submission deadline will now allow more people in these impacted communities to have their say.”
To make a public submission to the inquiry, please visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/submissions/.
