Flood inquiry holds submission workshops

Where do you start? What do you say? How do you get your message across?

The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is helping to answer those questions at a series of submission writing workshops.

The first was held at Maidstone, in Melbourne’s north-west, offering residents affected by flooding of the Maribyrnong river the opportunity to learn about the inquiry process and importantly how to prepare their own submission.

About 20 residents turned up to hear an overview of the 2022 flood event inquiry and what’s involved in making a submission.

They were provided with practical tips and advice on how to present evidence and arguments in a clear and persuasive way. 

Assistance in lodging a submission was also offered, with committee staff on hand to address any further questions or concerns about the process.

Further in-person workshops are set to be held in Seymour on June 7 and Rochester on June 14. Depending on interest, a final session may take place online.

‘We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for people to share their stories with us,’ Committee Chair Sonja Terpstra said.

The submission deadline for the inquiry has been extended until Monday 5 June 2023.

‘We had various people and organisations interested in making a submission but need some more time to do so,’ Ms Terpstra said.

‘Whilst the submission deadline has been extended, this does not impact the running of the inquiry or extend any other deadline.’

The committee is scheduled to hold public hearings and site visits from August to October 2023 and is due to report to parliament with findings and recommendations for government by 30 June 2024.

For further inquiry related information go to the committee’s website.