Flood inquiry submission date extended

Washed out: Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh and Rochester flood mitigation committee members Stuart Murray, Tracie Kyne and Dave Christie survey the damage at the Lake Eppalock second spillway. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE deadline for submissions to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event has been extended to Monday, 5 June and dates have now been announced for regional public hearings.

The inquiry will investigate the flood event as a whole, and consider a number of factors including emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies and the Victorian planning framework.

State MPs for the worst-affected areas in central and northern Victoria have issued statements urging people impacted to have their say.

National Party leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, whose electorate includes Echuca and Rochester, said the committee would struggle to make a fair and accurate review of the flood without a large number of submissions.

“Those caught on the frontline, who were flooded, forced to flee their homes and properties and businesses, are the ones with the best possible evidence of the full impact,” he said.

“But if your job was stood down, or your business could not work because your staff could not reach you, or anything else happened as a result of water anywhere, you need to make a submission.

“If your insurance has gone through the roof, you need to make a submission,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a thesis, a concise and accurate one-page summary will more than suffice, but you must do it.

“The more submissions received guarantees a more accurate picture of Victoria’s flood preparedness and response and will highlight any shortfalls that need addressing.”

Public hearings will take place in Rochester and Echuca on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 August and in Seymour on Thursday, 14 September with exact times and locations are yet to be confirmed.

Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, whose electorate includes Heathcote said the Seymour hearing was a win for the local community.

“This is an opportunity to have our voices heard and give our region the best chance possible at having local recommendations included in the final report,” she said.

“Together, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events.”

To make a submission to the Inquiry, and for up-to-date information about the public hearings, visit bit.ly/3AiMcs9.