Cash injection for Victoria’s fire-affected rural communities
Victoria’s bushfire ravaged communities will get some much needed financial relief to help rebuild after more than 1.5 million hectares and hundreds of homes were destroyed when flames ripped through the state’s east in December and January.
Victoria
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A new recovery plan will help fire-affected areas rebuild after Victoria’s devastating summer bushfires.
The State Recovery Plan, released on Sunday by the Victorian Government and Bushfire Recovery Victoria, reveals a blueprint for the next 12 to 18 months to help communities get back on their feet.
More than 1.5 million hectares and hundreds of homes were destroyed when flames ripped through the state’s east in December and January.
Tragically, five people lost their lives, including veteran firefighter Bill Slade who was killed by a falling tree while battling the blaze near Omeo.
Now, $78.06 million will be pumped into the region to boost projects and support locals.
This includes $10 million to repair roads, crossings and fire-tower infrastructure, $8 million for short-term modular homes and $4.4 million for supports and services to help families rebuild.
A further $7.7 million will be allocated for new seed stocks and to sow forest areas by hand and helicopter.
Popular tourist spot Cape Conran will also receive a boost, with $7.15 million to be poured into the area to make it “visitor ready.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville, said the funds would be an essential part of helping communities going forward.
“With the clean-up almost complete, the State Recovery Plan now helps bushfire-affected communities turn to the next stage in the journey – getting back on their feet, getting works under way and getting things done,” she said.
The plan also outlines specific intentions for Aboriginal culture and healing, acknowledging the unique impact on Aboriginal communities and Country.
The allocation of funds will be driven by the needs of local communities in both the short, medium and long-term future.
An estimated 10,000 livestock were lost in the blaze, as well as essential farmland and native habitats.
Lily D’Ambrosio, the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, said the fires had been especially devastating for local wildlife.
“That’s why this funding is so important to help us continue supporting their recovery so they can survive and thrive,” she said.
The plan includes $34.3 million to put towards the Local Economic Recovery program, which matches a previous Commonwealth Government donation.
More than $420 million has been invested so far by the state for bushfire response and recovery.
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