The Albanese and Allan Governments are continuing to support disaster-impacted communities, with more than $21 million in assistance to support immediate and long-term recovery following the storms and floods which commenced on 24 December 2023 through to mid-January 2024.
The assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The funding package includes:
- A $13.1 million Clean-up Program to deliver all-hazards assessments, conduct make-safe and demolition works for impacted and uninsured residents, as well as support for the removal of flood debris - coordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria.
- A $8 million Council Support Fund to support impacted councils to clean-up and restore community assets, facilities and services - as well as make repairs to infrastructure like walking trails, playgrounds and sporting fields.
This support will be available in the 29 Local Government Areas (LGAs): Alpine Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Ballarat City, Benalla Rural City, City of Greater Bendigo, Buloke Shire, Campaspe Shire, Cardinia Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Glenelg Shire, Greater Shepparton City, Indigo Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mansfield Shire, Melton City, Mitchell Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Nillumbik Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, Pyrenees Shire, South Gippsland Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, Warrnambool City, Wellington Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire.
Emergency Recovery Victoria is continuing to work with impacted councils to understand the assistance required to support communities following the storm and floods.
For more information on recovery support visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria website at vic.gov.au/2023-24-victorian-storms-and-floods or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"The floods last month were challenging for communities, many of which were also affected by the October 2022 floods.
"Councils and communities can be assured the Albanese Government is working closely with the Allan Government to deliver clean up and recovery assistance across the large area that was impacted.
"I'd like to commend local emergency authorities and councils, and all involved for the work they have done to clean up and restore services in impacted areas."
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Local communities, councils and emergency services have done an incredible job responding to the storms and floods - but recovery is a long process."
"We'll keep talking with the Commonwealth to let them know what locals need so we can give them the necessary support to continue their recovery."
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
"This funding will help local councils continue their important work in locally-led recovery - restoring important infrastructure and helping communities get back on their feet."
