Commonwealth Minister for Justice Michael Keenan announced $2.712 million in funding over three years to enhance bushfire mitigation in Victoria, as part of the Commonwealth’s National Bushfire Mitigation Programme.
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett welcomed the contribution and said the Victorian Government and other organisations would match the funding to the tune of $2.712 million over three years.
Mr Keenan said it was vital the Commonwealth partner with Victoria to better prepare local communities for bushfires through enhanced mitigation.
“Bushfires are a fact of life in Australia and they can be devastating for the communities in their path,” Mr Keenan said.
“We’re funding projects that will help to minimise risks to communities from bushfires and reduce the costs of reconstruction and recovery.
“The Commonwealth’s partnership with Victoria reflects our shared focus on reducing the financial burden of natural disasters.”
Minister Garrett said the funding is being provided to support activities that are important to Victoria, including Victoria’s first state bushfire management strategy, an enhanced fire protection programme using fuel reduction burns, upgrading fire trails and facilitating a targeted grants programme to support local bushfire mitigation initiatives.
“Victoria is prone to bushfires and this funding will help to limit the effect and consequences of natural disasters on our communities,” Ms Garrett said.
The $15 million National Bushfire Mitigation Programme delivers on a Coalition Government election commitment to cement Commonwealth partnership with all States and Territories to build on their existing bushfire management practices and implement strategies to address bushfire risks.
Reviewed 19 August 2020