Communities affected by June's destructive storms and floods will continue to get more help to rebuild and recover thanks to further support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced a $25.7 million package to support the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process for residents.
The funding includes $21 million to repair the arterial road network that was damaged in the floods and $320,000 to manage continued hazards, recover timber and ensure access for the timber harvest in state forests and adjoining land.
Works to be undertaken on key routes - such as Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Maroondah Highway and surrounding arterials - include tree removal, pruning, debris clearing, landslip works, pavement repairs and safety barrier works.
Throughout the Grampians, vital repairs will be carried out on storm-damaged road safety barriers, while landslip works will also take place along Lavers-Hill Cobden Road, Mt Baw Baw Road, Walhalla Road and Strzelecki Highway.
The Partners in Wellbeing program, which provides wellbeing support for businesses, will receive $360,000 for localised clinicians to provide mental health and wellbeing support to the most impacted communities.
Yarra Ranges Council's green waste disposal program will receive a $2 million boost to run a targeted bushfire preparedness program for individual households requiring the disposal of timber and green debris.
A further $2 million will go towards covering out-of-pocket expenses for community groups in storm and flood affected local government areas that have been using their own resources and equipment to help with clean-up and recovery.
This funding follows a further $49.5 million for the State-coordinated residential Clean-Up program that is being jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and brings total recovery investment by the Australian and Victorian Governments to $152.7 million.
To learn more about the recovery support available, call the recovery hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit brv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"The clean-up process is an important part of recovery - but it's a daunting one given how significant the scale of these storms was. This funding will help locals get on with making their homes safer."
"There's help available for whatever the community needs - whether it's clearing debris or clearing your mind. I encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch with BRV and find out what's available."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
"We're targeting areas of highest priority through our maintenance works to ensure the safety of all motorists on our road network. This investment will support local communities and economies in keeping them safe and open."
