Funding to boost natural disaster resilience across Victoria
Tuesday, 06 September 2011
Communities across Victoria will benefit from more than $6 million in funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters.
$4.7 million in Commonwealth funding has been allocated to agencies, community groups and local councils across Victoria to improve disaster protection and local strategies to deal with disasters.
A further $2.4 million has been allocated by the Victorian Government specifically for flood-related projects.
This funding – made available through the Commonwealth's Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme – will help Victorian communities be better prepared for natural disasters.
While the Commonwealth has already spent $500 million to help Victorian communities rebuild after last summer's devastating floods, governments also need to invest in helping communities become more resilient in the face of disasters.
We will never be able to eradicate disasters, but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.
Local projects to receive support will help communities prepare for a range of emergency events including floods, bushfires and even earthquakes. The partnership approach between all levels of government and the community is helping to build a culture of shared responsibility to natural disasters between governments, non-government agencies and communities.
Funding to support initiatives focused on other natural disasters such as bushfires, earthquakes or other natural hazards include:
- $199,000 support for training community care workers and volunteers;
- $76,000 for development of 3D bushfire simulation technology for bushfire training;
- $14,000 funding for VICSES Quakesafe-Earthquake education workshops;
- $215,000 for upgrades to volunteer training qualifications across Life Saving Victoria
- $100,000 for the Australian Red Cross for programs to recruit, develop and retain a base of multi-skilled, highly engaged volunteers across regional Victoria; and
- VICSES will also receive support to continue its state-wide FloodSafe Week campaign
The targeted and strategic funding will significantly increase community capacity in the face of natural disasters.
Details of flood study projects funded under the program will be announced across the state in coming weeks.
Further information on the Natural Disaster Resilience Program can be found at www.ema.gov.au
