Last call for flood inquiry submissions

By Bianca Hall

May 29, 2023

Sumbissions needed: Seymour resident Mick White standing on a flooded Butler St, with his house with the silver letterbox in the background. Photo: Max Stainkamph Photo by Max Stainkamph

Submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into the October 2022 floods close on Monday, June 5.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is investigating the state’s preparedness for and response to the disaster, considering what contributed to the flooding and the effectiveness of early warning systems.

Emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies and the Victorian Planning Framework will also be key to the inquiry.

So far, there have been plenty of submissions to the inquiry from towns like Rochester, however there are fewer from residents of Seymour.

Submissions from Seymour residents raise questions around the flood levy proposed in 2019 and transparency in the decision-making process which led to the project not proceeding.

Other issues raised in submission include the management of Eildon Weir, the impact on individuals and the town’s mental health, resourcing of emergency services and volunteer organisations like the SES and a report from the Bureau of Meteorology.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is calling for all impacted people to make a submission.

“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 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.”

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, visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/submissions/