The Albanese and Andrews Labor Governments are supporting Victorian communities to restore treasured recreation areas and facilities damaged by the floods in October and November 2022.
Under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Federal and State Governments have provided more than $11.8 million to 125 voluntary committees of management.
With this funding, the committees are restoring significant community gathering places and tourist destinations including halls, caravan parks, camping areas and multi-use recreation reserves for use by residents and visitors. The projects will also consider upgrades to improve their resilience against future disasters.
The flood recovery projects range from replacement and upgrade of drainage and power, road repairs, and replacement of fencing, to more complex rebuilding projects.
Among them are the Rochester Recreation Reserve and Holiday Park, Molesworth Recreation Reserve, Mooroopna Mechanics Hall and M.G O'Brien Hall, and the historic pump station at Psyche Bend Reserve near Mildura.
A full list of successful grant recipients is available at deeca.vic.gov.au/grants/voluntary-committees-of-management-flood-recovery.
To learn more about the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements visit disasterassist.gov.au and vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.
As stated by Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt Murray Watt
"The October 2022 floods were one of the worst Victorian flood disasters on record and caused significant damage across 64 of Victoria's 79 local government areas, affecting multiple community spaces and assets.
"This support will fund repairs to halls, caravan parks, camping areas, multi-use recreation reserves and other important community facilities on public land, ensuring community assets in regional Victoria are back up and running for residents and visitors alike.
"This program forms part of the $105.5 million Environmental Support Package announced in June, with over $1.17 billion now committed in joint funding for affected Victorian communities since the floods.
"I know from my visits to the region, and indeed from my visits to many disaster-impacted communities across the country, that these community resources and gathering places are critical to the ongoing recovery journey and the Albanese Government is pleased to partner with the Andrews Government to achieve it."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
"This important funding will ensure the hardest hit communities from last year's floods are able to recover as quickly as possible."
"The flood recovery projects will help restore facilities that play an integral role in regional communities across Victoria."
"Volunteer committee members have made an extraordinary contribution to their local communities as they work to reinstate the state's flood damaged facilities and resources."
"We will continue to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency to identify any additional support Victorians may need."
