Thursday, 07 April 2011

More Victorians will be able to share their views on the recent severe floods as the Review of 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response heads to 11 more areas to consult with communities.

 Head of the review Neil Comrie AO APM today announced that a further 11 community consultation meetings would be held to add to the views and feedback that was offered at last month's public meetings.

"It has been a positive start to the review with the commitment and passion of so many people having already contributed to the consultations we held in March," Mr Comrie said.

"I encourage as many people as possible to attend this next round of consultation meetings, or to make a submission to the review because the more views and information we receive, the better informed my review will be."

Mr Comrie said the next round of community meetings will be in Pakenham on Monday April 11, Carisbrook on Monday 18 April, Rochester on Thursday 28 April, Horsham on Monday 2 May, Bridgewater on Thursday 5 May, Kerang on Wednesday 11 May, Swan Hill on Wednesday 18 May, Mildura on Thursday 19 May, Beaufort on Monday 23 May, Moyhu on Wednesday 25 May and Benalla on Thursday 26 May.

Mr Comrie said people could write submissions and post them to the review, or email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it but urged all who did, to consider attending a consultation meeting too.

"We want as many people as possible to contribute to this review through submissions and attending community consultation meetings," he said.

"But it's important to remember that submissions will close on Friday May 27, so if you plan to contribute, please be mindful of the deadline.

"With more than 100 towns across much of Victoria affected by floods during January to February, there will be many areas that have valuable experience to share and we don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to contribute through either making a submission or attending a consultation meeting."

Mr Comrie thanked all those who attended community consultation meetings in March and commended their commitment to helping improve Victoria's ability to prepare for and respond to severe floods.

"With flood waters still present in some communities, the fact people in these communities are still able to contribute to this review while they are rebuilding lives, properties and towns is a reflection of the strength of spirit and the bond they have to their community."