Flood inquiry open for public submissions

THE Victorian parliamentary upper house Environment and Planning Committee is asking for public submissions to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.

In a statement, Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, called on those impacted across the Goulburn, Broken and Murray systems to make a submission.

“This inquiry has the ability to make crucial recommendations and ensure our region is better prepared and protected against flood events,” she said. “It is vital local voices are heard.

“Businesses and individuals have a great opportunity to voice their concerns and push for change.”

Ms Cleeland said the majority of committee members driving the inquiry resided in metropolitan electorates.

“They need our voice and submissions to understand how regional communities are threatened without substantial improvements in flood prevention, response and recovery,” she said.

Ms Cleeland said the committee had indicated a willingness to hold public hearings in flood-impacted communities and she was pushing for this to include Heathcote, Seymour, Murchison, and Euroa.

“We must hear directly from as many people as possible who were affected by the October floods,” she said.

“Your insights and feedback will be essential in helping us to understand the true impact and what we need to improve to better protect our communities in the future.

“While the impacts of the floods will continue to be felt for a long time, we need to start having discussions about how to mitigate risks into the future.

“If this inquiry is successful, it will provide a path forward for towns like Seymour who will continue to face the prospect of extensive flooding as the climate becomes more variable.”

To find the full terms of reference of the committee or make a submission by Monday, 8 May visit bit.ly/3EY7sWN.