Affected community members, councils and organisations across our region are being encouraged to contribute to the parliamentary inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria, with submissions now open.

The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee will investigate the state’s preparedness for and response to the disaster.

The inquiry will look into the flood event as a whole and the areas affected, and consider factors such as what caused or contributed to the flood event including emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies, and the Victoria planning framework.

The committee is accepting written submissions up to Monday, 5 June 2023, and intends to follow up submissions by holding public hearings in flood-affected areas.

For more information and to make a submission, visit http://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/floodinquiry.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The October floods impacted many communities across our region – destroying homes, livelihoods, roads and community facilities. It is important that locals are heard as part of this inquiry, and that they can express what needs to improve ahead of any potential future floods.”

“I know that for many impacted residents and groups, the clean up is ongoing and the toll of this disaster goes well beyond the physical damage to properties and homes.”

“The flood response and recovery is different community-to-community. It is critical that the inquiry hears from everyone – from Newbridge to Skipton, Avoca to Carisbrook, Bridgewater to Dunolly.”