The Victorian Government continues to support local communities across the Dandenong Ranges, Central West Victoria and Gippsland following the catastrophic storms that have caused widespread damage and power outages.

To bolster recovery efforts being undertaken by locals on the ground, the Government will provide $8.2 million to 10 councils across areas significantly affected by the recent flood and storms.

The Council Support Fund will ensure these councils have the recovery staff and expertise they need on the ground, helping them stand up dedicated local teams to coordinate and drive recovery efforts.

The Fund is designed to boost recovery capabilities within councils so activities like impact assessment and community engagement can be undertaken by community members who live in and understand their local areas.

The funding will be made available to the Yarra Ranges, Latrobe, Baw Baw, Cardinia, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Murrindindi, South Gippsland and Wellington local government areas.

It can be used to employ additional recovery staff, onboard specialist contractors and provide targeted training support to help local communities recover.

The recent storms and floods have been devastating for Victorians. As of Sunday 20 June, initial assessments show 264 structures have been damaged or destroyed across the state. Of those, 129 homes are uninhabitable.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) have been coordinating the recovery effort and supporting affected communities. Recovery efforts have been progressing across all affected areas, with more than 1,000 emergency service personnel working around the clock.

A number of additional grants have also been established for affected households and businesses to get the necessary support during recovery.

More than 556 payments have already been made to people under the Personal Hardship Assistance Program, totalling $634,000.

For more information on assistance available, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance.

Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes:

“We know that recovery needs to be driven by locals. This funding means councils will be able to take the lead in supporting their communities to recover – and we’ll stand with them every step of the way.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane:

“Councils are close to their local communities and are often best placed to facilitate recovery efforts on the ground. This funding will ensure recovery happens where it is most needed and as quickly as possible.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“The recovery that’s now underway across storm- and flood-affected communities will take time, and require all levels of government to work together. This work and support will be guided by community members who understand exactly what’s needed.”