Politics & Council
29 June, 2023
Small town voices must be heard
By GAELLE BROAD IT’S over eight months since the devastating floods of October 2022. As the cold of winter sets in, many people are still doing it tough following the floods. Recently I met with flood victims who are still facing a range of...
By GAELLE BROAD
IT’S over eight months since the devastating floods of October 2022.
As the cold of winter sets in, many people are still doing it tough following the floods.
Recently I met with flood victims who are still facing a range of heart-breaking issues and wondering when they will be able to return home.
Many people are still without a home, and remain in temporary accommodation living in tents, sheds and caravans.
People are still liaising with insurance providers trying to clarify what will and won’t be covered.
Many farmers in our region experienced significant stock losses, and the overwhelming task of cleaning up.
Neighbourhood Houses are relying on donations for blankets and heaters to support those in need.
For those who lost homes, businesses, crops and jobs, there is still a very long road to recovery.
The Loddon Shire experienced some of the worst flooding and stock losses in our state, with up to 70 per cent of the shire impacted by flooding.
The Victorian Parliamentary Environment and Planning Committee is conducting an inquiry to examine Victoria’s preparedness and response to the October 2022 floods.
The inquiry will consider the factors that caused the flooding, the effectiveness of early warning systems, flood mitigation strategies, implications for future planning decisions and other relevant matters.
Hundreds of people have already made a submission to share their experience, as this inquiry will make crucial recommendations to ensure our region is better prepared and protected against flood events in the future.
As a member of the committee, I want to ensure that smaller rural and regional areas are not forgotten in this inquiry and invite you to make a submission and share your experience. Submissions are still being received on a case-by-case basis.
For further information visit the Parliament of Victoria website Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event, or contact the Committee Secretariat on 8682 2869.
It is frustrating to see the State Government’s slow response to the devastating impact of the floods in our region, and millions of dollars being spent on consultants rather than grassroots programs to help communities recovering from the floods.
In the recent state budget further cuts were made to the road maintenance budget when our roads are falling apart. The funding made available following the bushfires was vastly different to the support being given post floods, yet the impact is the same on those who have lost their homes and businesses.
As the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, I will continue to raise these issues in State Parliament, and advocate for the needs of our local communities.
In a glimmer of hope after the damage caused by flooding, it’s great to see Newbridge Recreative Reserve open to camping on the banks of the Loddon River again, and Newbridge and Calivil return to the ground thanks to the hard work of the local community.
Our region has experienced significant challenges in the last few years, including droughts, bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and floods.
During these times we see the best, and the worst in people.
Thank you to those who look out for their neighbours and people in their local community and continue to check in to see how they are going.
While the flood waters have gone, there is still a long road to recovery.
* Gaelle Broad is the member for Northern Victoria Region