Monday 11^th January 2021

Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council will receive funding to get ready for emergencies thanks to the Victorian Government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program.

Budget 2020 has provided an extra $1 million for the program, which helps Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer-metropolitan councils with the costs of emergency planning, bringing the total funding available to $5.6 million.

Member for Eastern Victoria says Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council will each receive $73,200 to make sure their communities are as well-prepared and resilient as they can possibly be should the worst happen.

Program funding can be used for a wide variety of different emergency planning work, ranging from education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas, to fire suppression.

Councils often use the funding to appoint an emergency management position, with some councils collaborating with their neighbours to fund a shared specialist position. In 2021, it can also be used for planning recovery from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and emergency work in a COVIDSafe environment.

Councils’ extensive local knowledge and close connection to communities makes them a vital part of Victoria’s response to emergency events.

Before, during and after emergencies council responsibilities include support for vulnerable people, running relief centres and enabling economic and social recovery, while continuing important services.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“It’s great the Government is supporting Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council to keep communities in at-risk areas safe in an emergency. This funding helps to make sure we have the skills and resources they need for their vital role.”

“Last summer really brought home how important councils are when the worst happens. It’s really encouraging and reassuring to know that local councils have this vital support from the State Government.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane

“During last summer’s devastating bushfires, councils did amazing things to support their communities and keep people safe. Through this funding increase we are making sure they have additional access to the resources and tools they need.”

“Councils can and do make a huge difference to community resilience and recovery in the face of an emergency. The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is one of the best ways we can support that work.”