THE Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry today announced the first round of public hearings into the 2010-2011 flood events.

The public hearings will focus on issues to be covered in the Inquiry’s interim report on matters associated with flood preparedness.

The interim report is due in August 2011 to enable early recommendations to be implemented before next summer’s wet season.

Public hearings scheduled include Toowoomba on April 18–19 and April 27–29, Goondiwindi on May 3 and Brisbane on 11 April 11–15, May 5–6 and May 26–27.

Further public hearings will be held later in 2011, including in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Gympie.

The Commission will also hold specific consultations this month with the Grantham and Murphys Creek communities.

Further details of venues and times will be made available in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Inquiry, including its terms of reference, visit www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au.