- Published:
- Saturday 7 May 2016
Wye River community will receive an additional $190,000 for priority projects that further assist the recovery from last year’s fire, under new measures announced by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville attended a community meeting at Wye River today to outline three new initiatives to support the community in the wake of the Wye River-Jamieson Track fire.
The Labor Government will provide $100,000 for the Wye River CFA, which will go towards funding an extension to the local CFA building and an equipment upgrade.
The Wye River Surf Life Saving Club will receive $60,000 to fund repairs and an upgrade to facilities and equipment.
A further $30,000 will go towards the immediate weed management works in the Wye River and Separation Creek areas, which has been identified as a key priority by the community as well as the government agencies that manage public land in the area.
These funding announcements are in addition to the Labor Government’s $2.75 million assistance package announced in January to support the Wye River and Separation Creek communities.
Following the initial funding announcement, local residents identified the communities’ priorities for future projects.
The Wye River-Jamieson Track fire was caused by lightning strikes on 19 December last year and burnt for 34 days before being contained on 21 January. The fire burned more than 2,500 hectares of land and destroyed 116 homes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“We are putting communities first and we want these grants to go a long way in strengthening the sense of community and resilience in Wye River.”
“Community input will be central to the planning and delivery of these projects, ensuring local facilities are in line with community expectations and longer-term needs.”
“The Wye River-Jamieson Track fire had a huge impact on the local economy, these projects will provide a continued economic stimulus to the region.”