Thursday,17 October 2024

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:42): (1164) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, what is the Victorian government doing to help eastern Victorians prepare for the upcoming severe weather season? Minister, a severe weather season is beginning. Australians are bracing for increased risk of thunderstorms, flooding and bushfires. Already we have warnings for tomorrow. In eastern Victoria these risks are high, even by Australian standards. Baw Baw, Yarra Ranges, East Gippsland shire and Wellington were listed as the top four local government areas most frequently impacted by disasters in Australia between 2006–07 and 2022 by the National Emergency Management Agency. These stats do not even include post 2022 or the significant recent fires and storm events which are further compounding disasters in eastern Victoria, including in South Gippsland. That is why as we are coming into a severe weather season it is especially important, particularly in our changing climate, for all those living in and visiting eastern Victoria to take extra steps to prepare, including staying informed for potential weather events through the VicEmergency app and making a plan to evacuate if needed.