Barnawartha residents are being given extra support to recover from last year’s devastating bushfire.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today announced $60,000 to extend the role of Indigo Shire Council’s Recovery Support Officer until December, 2017.
The Recovery Support Officer has played a vital role in helping the community recover from the bushfire that hit Barnawartha in the lead up to Christmas last year – including helping residents with resettlement and involving the community in recovery planning and bushfire preparedness.
The announcement comes during Fire Action Week – Victoria’s annual fire readiness week.
Forecasts show potential for an above average fire season again this year, despite the recent heavy rain and flooding in many parts of the state.
Victorians are being urged to talk with family, friends and neighbours about fire risk and plan for what they will do on hot, dry, windy days in the upcoming fire season.
The CFA and the MFB will also be out talking to the community about what they can do to be fire ready.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested an extra $11.1 million to bring two of the world’s biggest firefighting aircraft back to Victoria.
Last summer, Victoria’s firefighting aviation fleet was critical in stopping the spread of the bushfire at Barnawartha, as well as Wye River and Scotsburn.
The Large Air Tankers, named RJ and Hercules, will complete Victoria’s 48 strong aviation fleets, which also includes a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and two 7500-litre air cranes that will be used to protect communities around the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“The 2015 Christmas bushfire had a devastating impact on the Barnawartha community and this extra funding will help with the recovery that is still underway.”
“Fire Action Week is a timely reminder to take steps now to be fire ready when the bushfire season arrives – talk to your family and friends about fire risk and plan what you’ll do on those hot, dry and windy days.”
Quotes attributable to Indigo Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Gerry Smith
“The Barnawartha Recovery Support Officer plays a vital role for the Indigo Shire Council, providing recovery support to the Barnawartha community.”
“I am pleased to accept this grant on behalf of the Barnawartha community, which is still in recovery from the bushfires that impacted the region in December 2015.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020