As flood-affected towns across Victoria face clean up and recovery, the Andrews Labor Government is working to minimise the damage caused by floodwaters, ensuring our waterways and parks are safe - and wildlife is cared for.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio today announced the Labor Government has made available up to $130 million to support the flood recovery efforts on public land.
This includes $42 million for initial emergency response works to clear roads, remove hazardous trees and repair landslips, bridges, crossings, caravan parks and community facilities on public land and getting injured wildlife the care they need.
There is also up to a further $71.11 million for recovery efforts for public land managers to undertake vital repair works on their land to ensure they can reopen safely.
The funding also supports repairs to critical water monitoring equipment, flood gauges and emergency assessments of levees.
The Environment Protection Authority has also received support to continue assessing water quality in the bay to ensure our waterways are safe and help residents undertake soil testing around their homes.
In addition, up to an $18 million investment will go towards local Catchment Management Authorities to restore and repair waterways and for Traditional Owners to assess and restore cultural heritage sites.
The Minister for Planning will also make several changes to the planning provisions to support people in flood-affected communities to recover and rebuild.
This includes modifying planning provisions to enable businesses to operate and facilitate the use of temporary accommodation following the floods.
Affected councils will also be able to share in $1 million through the Regional Planning Hub - which will provide planning assistance and consultants into mid next year.
Information about support available to flood-affected communities - including emergency hardship payments, re-establishment payments, accommodation and help with clean-up is available by calling 1800 560 760.
As stated by Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio
"We're helping clean up flood-impacted communities by making sure our parks and reserves are safe to return to and our wildlife are protected throughout the recovery."
As stated by Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn
"We're not wasting any time assisting flood-affected communities, so we're putting the right planning supports in place for councils and the community to ensure people can get back into their properties safely."
As stated by Minister for WaterHarriet Shing
"As our flood response, relief and recovery efforts continue, Victoria's water security and services - and the restoration of our waterways - remain critically important."
