The Victorian Parliament’s Flood Inquiry Committee will tour affected communities to hold public hearings following significant flooding in the state last year.

The inquiry is investigating Victoria’s preparedness for, and response to October’s flood event, considering causes and factors such as emergency services, government policy, flood mitigation strategies, the Flemington Racecourse flood wall, and the Victoria planning framework.

The schedule for the public hearings is: August 23, Rochester; August 24, Echuca; September 13, Shepparton; September 14, Seymour; October 11-12, Melbourne.

“This inquiry will look into the flood event as a whole and the areas affected,” Committee Chair Sonja Terpstra said. “It will consider what caused or contributed to the flooding and the adequacy and effectiveness of early warning systems.”

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell says it is crucial for the Committee to hear from those directly affected by the floods and urged people to lodge a written submission and/or attend the public hearings.

More information about the hearings, including venues and a list of witnesses, will be published here as it becomes available. Submissions can be made until June 5.