The due date for submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s major floods of October 2022 is quickly approaching, with entries available to be made until Monday, June 5.
As part of the inquiry, 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 in towns such as Seymour and Murchison, 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 encouraged all impacted people to make a submission.
“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 like Seymour — 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.”
Ms Cleeland recently spoke in Parliament about the need for improved emergency warnings, with several constituents raising the issue to her following floods and storms in the region.
“I’ve raised the need for stronger emergency warnings in Parliament while speaking on an energy legislation bill,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It was, and remains, a key issue for people in flood and storm affected communities. I look forward to seeing this inquiry act on the concerns of the people.”
To make a public submission to the inquiry, please visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/submissions/.
