With submissions now being closed for the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has said it is time to act on many of the recommendations made by the community.
Ms Cleeland said that after speaking to members of these flood-impacted communities, it was clear that improving the emergency warning systems was a priority.
“The inquiry into the devastating flood event has allowed residents from these affected communities to have their voices heard,” Ms Cleeland said.
“What I’ve heard from members of my community is that improving the emergency warning systems is essential to allow for people to prepare for these devastating events.”
Ms Cleeland said it was integral to listen to those who were dealing with the issue first-hand, and to implement their recommendations.
“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,” Ms Cleeland said.
Ms Cleeland recently raised the issue in Parliament and called on the state government to immediately overhaul the emergency warning systems to allow communities to better protect themselves with sufficient emergency warnings.
“The need for improving these systems is not a new suggestion,” Ms Cleeland said.
“In 2021 there were severe storms across Victoria, including Pyalong which was heavily impacted.
“After these storms, it was found that power outages were impacting the ability for residents to receive emergency warnings and that the current system was not providing positive outcomes to those affected.
“With no phones or internet, most had to drive or walk to find information. People had to drive to the other side of town and high points on hills to get any phone service, and to receive and send SMS messages and phone calls.”
The Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event hearing is scheduled to take place in Seymour on September 14, with more information about the venue to be announced soon.
