Seymour flood hearing reports by Jordyn Grubisic
Criticism of the emergency response and a lack of sufficient resources in the recovery process formed a major part of the Seymour hearing of the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria on Thursday.
Insufficient emergency warnings, an incident control centre being established in Shepparton instead of on the ground in Seymour, and volunteers being overwhelmed in dealing with the Seymour flood in October last year were key points raised in Mitchell Shire Council’s submission.
The inquiry’s committee heard from representatives from Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogies shires, as well as business, community, sporting and environmental groups.
Mitchell council also levelled criticism at the State Government’s response in the flood recovery process – focusing on a lack of local housing support for displaced residents and under-resourcing of services for the mental health trauma suffered by people affected by the flood.
Residents and business owners who spoke at the hearing also referenced the ongoing mental health issues caused by the floods, and the lack of support services available.
Business owner Shelley Hamilton told the hearing of the emotional and financial effects the flood had on her and her children, with the family needing to move away from Seymour before returning to rebuild their business and re-establish their lives.
Business owners also spoke of ongoing issues with insurance companies, difficulties in accessing government grants, and the ongoing ripple effect caused to the business and tourism industries.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano and farmers from the region were among the most critical of the government’s response to the flood and assisting those affected in the recovery process.
The hearing, at Seymour Presbyterian Church, had a strong security presence with photo identification required to attend, as well as attendees required to be scanned by metal detectors before entering.
Featured image: Seymour resident waids through floodwaters last year.
Read more from the hearing: