The Andrews Labor Government is making sure Victoria’s most flood-affected communities get the support they need as they begin clean-up efforts with an immediate rapid response payment to local councils.
The Council Flood Support Fund will be established as an initial measure to provide immediate payments of $500,000 to the 24 local government areas that have experienced the most profound flood damage.
Local government plays a critical role in helping communities recover after an emergency – this funding will ensure those councils have the immediate funding they need to start clean-up activities, and importantly help restore local facilities and services that are the lifeblood of regional communities, like sports clubs and community centres.
This support is in addition to existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – delivering the extra support communities need for grassroots recovery efforts.
Clean-up activities supported through the fund include the collection and removal of debris deposited on council parks, reserves and community assets, transportation costs, staffing and restoration of community services.
The local government areas eligible for this initial payment are:
- Alpine Shire Council
- Benalla Rural City Council
- Buloke Shire Council
- Campaspe Shire Council
- Central Goldfields Shire Council
- Corangamite Shire Council
- Gannawarra Shire Council
- Greater Bendigo City Council
- Greater Shepparton City Council
- Hepburn Shire Council
- Horsham Rural City Council
- Loddon Shire Council
- Macedon Ranges Shire Council
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Maribyrnong City Council
- Mitchell Shire Council
- Moira Shire Council
- Moonee Valley City Council
- Mount Alexander Shire Council
- Murrindindi Shire Council
- Northern Grampians Shire Council
- Pyrenees Shire Council
- Strathbogie Shire Council
- Wangaratta Rural City Council
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Local councils are on the frontline of recovery efforts – we’re giving them extra support so they can help their communities when they need it most.”
“We’re at our best when we work together, every level of government is ready to stand with local communities as we repair the damage that’s been done.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
“We’ll support local councils every step of the way as they start clean-up and recovery efforts, and this rapid payment is just the beginning of our support to help them begin their recovery while floodwaters are still high.”
Reviewed 16 October 2022