STAFF WRITERS
THE federal and state governments have extended funding to an additional nine local governments affected by the severe August storms through the jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The assistance is for a total of 28 councils impacted by the storms that started from August 25, 2024, to coordinate debris removal from storm-affected homes to make them safe and habitable.
The joint assistance will help support emergency and asset reconstruction efforts, in particular removing debris impacting essential public infrastructure like roads, footpaths, bridges, and other critical assets.
A total of 28 councils are now eligible for assistance, including all Gippsland LGAs: Latrobe City, Bass Coast Shire, Baw Baw Shire, East Gippsland Shire, South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire.
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes said the extended funding would provide peace of mind for communities doing it tough.
“Providing support to make properties safe and restore essential public assets will enable the community and businesses to get back on track,” she said.
“We will continue to support communities every step of the way so they can recover as quickly as possible.”
Information for councils about the DRFA process is available on the ERV website: vic.gov.au/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements
Information on disaster assistance is available on the federal government’s Disaster Assist website: disasterassist.gov.au
