THE major flood events that occurred across Victoria last October are subject to a parliamentary inquiry, which is calling for public submissions until May 8, 2023.
The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee will investigate the state’s preparedness for and response to the disaster. Committee chair, Sonja Terpstra, said, “This inquiry will look into the flood event as a whole and the areas affected.”
“It will consider what caused or contributed to the flooding and the adequacy and effectiveness of early warning systems.”
Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, organised a roundtable with Seymour business owners impacted by the floods and to discuss the inquiry process.
Ms Cleeland outlined the importance of strong representation from the community, saying, “I’m encouraging everyone in the community to make a submission, drive change and make sure the committee undertaking this inquiry gets a clear message.”
“We cannot see flood events like this occur again without mitigation measures in place and serious reform to the system.”
She said concerns raised by businessowners included the lack of warning provided to the community, the slow response time from government agencies with recovery efforts, and that insurance premiums have increased as a result.
Emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies, the Flemington Racecourse flood wall and the Victorian Planning Framework will also be key to the inquiry.
The committee is accepting written submissions until May 8, 2023, and intends to hold public hearings in flood-affected regions.
For more information or to make a submission, go to the flood inquiry website: new.parliament.vic.gov.au/floodinquiry
