Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan

Coalition Announces Funding To Help Flood-Ravaged Communities Rebuild

Victor P Taffa

Local Councils and Community Groups heavily impacted upon by the January floods will have immediate access to funding announced today by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan said $1.55 Million would be available for communities seriously affected by the January deluge under the $4 Million Floods Community Recovery Fund (CRF), jointly established by the State and Commonwealth Governments.

“Sixteen Local Councils will receive $50,000 each in this first round of funding, to rebuild social networks and restore valuable community facilities.” Mr. Ryan said.

Municipalities most impacted upon by the devastating floods are:

• Ararat,
• Buloke,
• Campaspe,
• Central Goldfields,
• Corangamite,
• Gannawarra,
• Hepburn,
• Hindmarsh,
• Horsham,
• Loddon,
• Mildura,
• Mount Alexander,
• Northern Grampians,
• Pyrenees,
• Swan Hill,
• Yarriambiack.

“Community groups in all areas affected by the January floods can also apply for grants of up to $5,000 under a small grants program set up under the CRF to help with immediate recovery activities.” Mr. Ryan said.

Mr. Ryan said the $4 Million Floods CRF, to which the State and Commonwealth governments each contributed $2 Million, supplemented other available funding and would provide further financial support to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet.

“CRF funding will help restore damaged community facilities such as community centres, sports pavilions and local halls.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The funding will also help flood-affected communities rebuild through community events, information distribution, skills development activities, or recording the flood event as part of community history.”

Mr. Ryan said the remaining $2.45 Million of the CRF would be allocated as the full extent of flood damage was further assessed.

Regional staff from Victoria’s Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) will be available to assist local councils, community groups and peak bodies to identify possible recovery projects.

The closing date for community groups applying for CRF grants of up to $5,000 is 22 March 2011.

For more information about the Floods Community Recovery Fund and how to access funding, visit the Department of Planning and Community Development’s website at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au or call Information Victoria on 1300 366 356 to be put in touch with your DPCD regional representative.

For other floods funding information, visit the Department of Human Services website www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Other municipalities impacted by the January floods will be considered for funding under future funding provided through the Floods Community Recovery Fund.