A public hearing at Quantong tomorrow, Wednesday, will inform the parliamentary inquiry into the 2026 summer fires, following the Grass Flat fire in January.

The hearing will be at Quantong Community Recreation Facility, from noon.

Representatives from Horsham Rural City Council, Country Fire Authority, West Wimmera Health Service, Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club, and West Wimmera Action Group have made submissions and will speak from noon.

The inquiry will examine bushfire causes, their impact on communities, business and the environment – including native wildlife – and the resourcing and funding of emergency services agencies.

It will also consider preparation and planning, including management of fuel loads, and the management of public and private land and roadsides.

Committee chair Ryan Batchelor said the committee also had visits planned to Gellibrand, Natimuk and across the Longwood fireground.

People who wanted to directly address the MPs on the committee had to register to speak at open-mic sessions, which will be from 3pm.

People can also view a livestream of the inquiry hearings at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/summerfires-hearings.

The inquiry committee is due to provide a report to Parliament by June 1.