By Colin MacGillivray
SEYMOUR will host a public hearing in September as part of the State Government’s Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.
Seymour and other parts of Mitchell Shire were inundated during flooding in October last year, with many residents and businesses still recovering from the disaster.
The government’s inquiry was announced in March, and earlier this month it was revealed that Seymour would be one of four country towns to host a public hearing, along with Rochester, Echuca and Shepparton.
Seymour’s public hearing will be on September 14.
Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said he was pleased the town’s residents would receive an opportunity to contribute to the inquiry.
“Homes and businesses were devastated by the floods last year and our community is still recovering,” he said.
“This an important opportunity for people to have their voices heard and for the Victorian government and council to understand how we can be better prepared for future flood events.
“I encourage community members to make a submission to the inquiry and to keep an eye on information about attendance at the public hearing.
“If you have any questions about making a submission, please drop in at the Seymour Flood Recovery Hub located at the Seymour Customer and Library Service Centre, 125 Anzac Avenue, Seymour.”
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she was hopeful the Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee, which will host the enquiry, would gain greater insight by hearing Seymour residents speak.
“A public hearing is a massive win for the Seymour community who have been pushing hard for this since the committee’s establishment,” she said.
“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.
“With a local hearing and this submission process, we need the committee to understand the unique challenges along the Goulburn River.
“Together, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events.”
A government spokesperson said the government would respond to the recommendations of a final report prepared by the Environment and Planning Committee following the inquiry.
They said people could make submissions to the inquiry online by visiting www.new.parliament.vic.gov.au/news/environment/floodsubmissions.
