STATE Premier Daniel Andrews visited the region during the flood emergency, announcing a $351M package to provide immediate support as the state’s recovery from the floods gets underway.
This multi-million-dollar relief package includes:
- $165M emergency road blitz to find and fix potholes, asphalting and to repair road surfaces. The package will also cover larger-scale works, like rebuilding major infrastructure such as roads, bridges and culverts
- $15M to support those worst affected in housing, health and wellbeing, financial and legal counselling, as well as practical assistance with accessing grants and completing paperwork, and advice for business owners whose livelihoods are impacted by the floods
- $6M will station community recovery officers in affected areas to help identify the needs of individuals and families whilst ensuring communities receive appropriate support for their unique requirements, and support government to identify if any further support is needed
- $15M will be dedicated to boosting the capability of Emergency Management Victoria, the State Control Centre and Emergency Recovery Victoria – key organisations that coordinate emergency responses and aid disaster recovery
- A Victorian Flood Recovery Management Plan will deliver $150M for an immediate state-coordinated clean-up, allowing crews to move quickly into worst affected areas to undertake hazard assessments and demolition of any severely damaged structures.
The State and Federal Governments are working cooperatively to finalise funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The Personal Hardship Assistance Program’s ‘Emergency Re-Establishment Assistance’ fund will support families whose properties are hardest hit beyond the initial payments for food and shelter, providing up to $42,250 for uninsured properties, helping to pay for clean-up, repairs, rebuilding and replacing household contents.
Premier Andrews said, “There isn’t a second to waste as we begin recovery in flood-affected communities – whether it’s support for households, clean-ups or local roads, we’ll deliver the support Victorians need.”
“There is a significant job ahead of us but we’re equal to it – I know that all levels of government will keep working together to get this job done.”
