Gannawarra Shire residents are being encouraged to assist the Victorian Parliamentary Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee investigate the state’s preparedness for and response to last year’s floods.
The committee is conducting an inquiry into the flood event as a whole and the areas affected, and is considering various factors – including what caused or contributed to the flood event, emergency service planning and response, government policy, flood mitigation strategies, and the Victorian planning framework.
“The 2022 flood event impacted communities across Victoria, including here in the Gannawarra, which saw residents face inundation for many weeks,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“Recommendations that came out of the review of the 2011 flood event ensured communities were better prepared for the 2022 flood event, and it is hoped that similar outcomes will occur following this inquiry to assist with our preparedness for future events.”
The committee is accepting written submissions up to 5pm Monday 8 May, and intends to follow up submissions by holding public hearings in flood-affected areas.
“All feedback will assist with providing recommendations to the government, so I urge all residents to consider documenting their experiences during the October-December 2022 flood,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“Council will develop a submission for the inquiry, which is being compiled using information collected throughout the response to the flood event.”
