Bushfire-affected residents will have a chance to share their experiences when a government inquiry comes to the region next week. The inquiry into the 2019-20 Victorian Fire Season, led by Inspector-General for Emergency Management Tony Pearce, will visit Corryong and Wangaratta. Mr Pearce said the inquiry would examine the preparedness and response to the state fire season. The inquiry will also look at the decision to declare of a State of Disaster in six shires and alpine resorts. Premier Daniel Andrews enacted the powers on January 2, for the first time since they were written into legislation in the wake of the Black Saturday bushfires. Mr Pearce and officials will host a two-hour community meeting at the Upper Murray Community Recovery Hub next Thursday from 6pm. The next day another two-hour community meeting will be held at Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway from 6pm so more residents can have their say. IN OTHER NEWS: "It's important for the inquiry to gather a range of experiences and views, and some of the most important information will come from communities in the fire-affected areas," Mr Pearce said. "I encourage anyone who is keen to share their experience regarding bushfire preparedness and response to do so through any of the multiple avenues open for people to provide their views." The Inspector-General said the inquiry would also look at the timeliness and effectiveness of Commonwealth assistance and immediate relief, recovery work and arrangements. The inquiry is examining only the Victorian side of the border. Mr Pearce said anyone who was not able to attend the community meetings could share their experiences and views by making a submission to the inquiry. Go to igem.vic.gov.au/Fire-Season-Inquiry.
HERE TO LISTEN: Residents can share their experiences of the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires and recovery with the inspector-general of emergency management.
Bushfire-affected residents will have a chance to share their experiences when a government inquiry comes to the region next week.
The inquiry into the 2019-20 Victorian Fire Season, led by Inspector-General for Emergency Management Tony Pearce, will visit Corryong and Wangaratta.
Mr Pearce said the inquiry would examine the preparedness and response to the state fire season.
The inquiry will also look at the decision to declare of a State of Disaster in six shires and alpine resorts.
Premier Daniel Andrews enacted the powers on January 2, for the first time since they were written into legislation in the wake of the Black Saturday bushfires.
Mr Pearce and officials will host a two-hour community meeting at the Upper Murray Community Recovery Hub next Thursday from 6pm.
The next day another two-hour community meeting will be held at Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway from 6pm so more residents can have their say.
"It's important for the inquiry to gather a range of experiences and views, and some of the most important information will come from communities in the fire-affected areas," Mr Pearce said.
"I encourage anyone who is keen to share their experience regarding bushfire preparedness and response to do so through any of the multiple avenues open for people to provide their views."
The Inspector-General said the inquiry would also look at the timeliness and effectiveness of Commonwealth assistance and immediate relief, recovery work and arrangements.
The inquiry is examining only the Victorian side of the border.
Mr Pearce said anyone who was not able to attend the community meetings could share their experiences and views by making a submission to the inquiry.
