Policy and Coordination

Bushfire recovery has been a whole-of-government effort, with the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority overseeing a range of programs and initiatives that have been delivered by responsible government departments and agencies, councils and not-for-profit groups.

While responsibility for these initiatives has been resumed by respective government departments or agencies, the Fire Recovery Unit (the Unit) has have an important role in continuing to assist the ongoing recovery of bushfire-affected communities by facilitating strong relationships and coordinated responses to ongoing community needs.

Within the Unit, important services such as community engagement continue to be delivered. The Unit monitors and reports on rebuilding progress, communicates key information and provides advice and support to communities and local government. It also provides an important interface between government and affected communities regarding bushfire recovery.

Key functions of the Fire Recovery Unit include:

Project and Council Liaison

• Establish strong relationships with relevant councils to ensure they are supported through the recovery effort
• Assist in strengthening connections between communities and their local councils
• Provide a key point of contact in government for reconstruction projects including those funded by VBAF, government and donors
• Oversee key funding agreements between the State and local councils relating to the delivery of reconstruction projects.

Policy and Coordination

• Resolve emerging policy issues and provide briefings to Government
• Work with the VBAF Advisory Panel and liaise with the VBAF secretariat on policy issues
• Monitor and report on the progress of recovery and reconstruction projects
• Monitor and report on the progress of the overall rebuilding task, including private rebuilding in impacted communities
• Regularly communicate key information to bushfire-affected communities.

Community Engagement

Three Community Engagement Coordinators will work in and with affected communities. The Coordinators will be the main point of contact into the Fire Recovery Unit and will:

• Work with communities and councils to identify and address emerging issues and needs
• Provide guidance and advice to communities on access to the VBAF medium term allocation
• Support members of the VBAF Community Advisory Committee
• Ensure community rebuilding and recovery projects are supported and monitored.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) Grants Administration

• Continue to administer the delivery of projects funded through the VBAF Community Projects Initiative
• Monitor and report to government and the VBAF Advisory Panel on progress of the initiative.