Member for Mildura Jade Benham says locals must make their voices heard at a Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into the 2022 floods.
The inquiry will review Victoria’s response to the and investigate flood mitigation infrastructure, government policy and systems to warn the public.
Ms Benham says the inquiry will be taking submissions and it is important people in her electorate affected by the floods have their say and get their opinions on the record.
“Unfortunately, there were too many residents and food producers across my electorate impacted by the floods and they know better than most what worked, and what could be improved in the future,” Ms Benham says.
“And with two ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ floods devastating regional Victoria in the past 11 years, the next flood is now a case of not if, but when.
“Which is why the people who have experienced the floods firsthand, and are therefore in the best position to make sure we are more prepared for the future, need to be part of this major government inquiry.”
“It has the ability to make crucial recommendations and ensure our region is better prepared and protected against flood events in the future,” Ms Benham said.
The inquiry terms of reference include the ‘location, funding, maintenance and effectiveness of engineered structures, such as floodwalls, rural levees and culverts, as a flood mitigation strategy.’
Submissions are being accepted until Monday, May 8 at https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/submissions
