State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland will welcome Nationals colleagues to Seymour in September to meet with community members impacted by the October 2022 floods.
Ms Cleeland will be joined by state Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and state Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, both of whom have been involved with the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.
The trio will tour Seymour on Tuesday, September 5, and will hold conversations with residents, local businesses and community groups that suffered as a result of last year’s floods.
Ms Cleeland emphasised the importance of understanding the challenges faced by Seymour in its recovery from the flood event, and the need for reforms to warning systems, response and mitigation measures.
“Together, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Having Melina and Gaelle meet with community members will ensure that the challenges faced by the Seymour community are heard and understood.”
Seymour is set to host public hearings for the inquiry on September 14, after the area was one of the worst-affected regions in the state.
Ms Cleeland said the hearings would help to increase understanding of the challenges facing Seymour’s recovery.
“Hosting 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 give our region the best chance possible at having local recommendations included in the final report.
“Having our local voices guide the change needed for the community is so important and will demonstrate how powerful community advocacy can be.”
Ms Cleeland also extended an invitation to any individuals or businesses throughout the region that are yet to receive their flood support payments, or have had difficulty with the process, to contact her at Annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au or by calling 5762 1600.