16 January 2024
Liberal and Nationals MPs have held a round-table meeting in Seymour to discuss the recent floods in the region, potential mitigation options and the insurance challenges members of the community are facing.
Hosted by Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, business owners and representatives from Seymour’s Chamber of Commerce were in attendance, alongside Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Richard Riordan.
Ms Cleeland said two flood events in the space of 15 months highlighted the pressing need for government intervention for both flood mitigation and insurance reform.
“Our community is treading water, waiting for the next natural disaster that will destroy their property and livelihoods and put lives at risk, while the Allan Labor government fails to offer it a life raft with either flood mitigation or insurance reform,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Seymour grapples with falling business confidence every day due to unresolved issues surrounding residential and commercial insurance.
“For once, the Allan Government needs to focus on the needs and protect the livelihoods of regional Victorians.
“Repeated flooding events are preventing businesses investing and expanding in our community – precisely when it is most needed to create new jobs and help our region rebuild.”
The Leader of the Opposition spoke about the importance of hearing directly from flood affected regional communities like Seymour following events such as the recent floods.
“By working together with the impacted communities, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events,” Mr Pesutto said.
“Having spoken with locals in Seymour it is clear that the Allan Labor Government has failed to protect our regional communities time and time again as they continue to suffer from the fallout from recent flood events.”
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Richard Riordan called on the Allan Government to ensure changes were made to help regional communities deal with the fallout from the floods.
“We cannot see flood events like this occur again without mitigation measures in place and serious reform to the system,” Mr Riordan.
“These communities have been let down by a lack of action and accountability by the Allan Labor Government.”
