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Local residents must have a voice in Traralgon Creek flood review Mr Northe saysResidents wanting to better understand why the emergency and evacuation systems failed to function. By news@gippsland - 11th August 2021 - Back to News
Member for Morwell Russell Northe has used Question Time in Parliament last week to highlight the importance of local residents being able to contribute to a review of the Traralgon Creek floods that impacted the Latrobe Valley community in June 2021.
Residents have the right to better understand as to why the emergency and evacuation systems failed to function adequately
Frustrated and angry
Mr Northe said, "The delayed evacuation warnings that occurred many hours after the floodwaters had actually peaked left many homeowners, businesses, sport and recreation clubs along the Traralgon Creek frustrated and angry."
Warning systems malfunctions
Many local residents and user groups have contacted Mr Northe to seek answers as to why flood emergency and evacuation warning systems did not function adequately during this major flood event and in what they believe could have changed the outcome for many that were affected.
Subsequently, it's only natural local residents and community groups wish to get a fair understanding of what went wrong and what measures will be put in place to ensure there is an improved warning system in place for the next flood that will invariably occur.
Needs assistance and assurance
Mr Northe said, "This flood event has had a significant impact on the community and still is, even though the clean up has begun and from the outside it looks like things are moving forward."
"However, we still have residents and community organisations whose homes and facilities have been severely damaged, and they need assistance and assurances from the State Government."
Hoping for the opportunity
Whilst Mr Northe acknowledges some supports have been received thus far, there is still a long way to go in the recovery process. "It's imperative that those who were impacted by the Traralgon Creek floods are able to contribute to the review process, I can only hope that they will be given the opportunity" added Mr Northe.
"I have also spoken to the many user groups of the Traralgon Recreation Reserve all of whom are facing their own challenges in being able to rebuild, some simply cannot as insurers won't allow facilities to be rebuilt on the current site, some simply don't have the funds and resources to rebuild and to replace damaged equipment and facilities" Mr Northe said.
Offered a briefing
In response to Mr Northe's question the acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services has offered a briefing to Mr Northe to meet and discuss with Bushfire Recovery Victoria the review process and what support and assistance will be provided to residents, businesses, community groups and sport and recreation clubs.
Pictures from Latrobe City website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government.
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