Funding for Flood Recovery Officers

Friday 11 February 2011

The Victorian Government is providing $1.26 million for the appointment of 13 flood recovery officers across 16 councils in need of assistance.

After the September and December floods, the Government allocated funding for flood-affected councils to employ special flood recovery officers to help communities develop and implement long-term recovery plans. The Flood Recovery Cabinet Taskforce met again in January and agreed priority assistance was needed for 16 councils, given the extent of the flood impact.

The councils of Horsham, Pyrenees, Yarriambiack, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Loddon, Corangamite, Moyne, Mount Alexander and Swan Hill were in the process of being allocated flood recovery officers.

It was also decided that the current officers engaged at Buloke, Hepburn and Northern Grampians would be extended for a further six months.

The designated flood recovery officer for the Pyrenees would provide support for Ararat Rural City, as would the Yarriambiack officer for the Hindmarsh Shire.

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is successfully co-ordinating the roll-out of flood recovery officers in the hardest-hit flood-affected communities.

Flood recovery officers play a crucial role in helping these communities get back on their feet again, and work hand-in-hand with families, groups and agencies to restore both the infrastructure and the spirit of these communities.

These officers also play an important role in arranging appropriate support and counselling, which includes business support, and they facilitate access to initiatives and projects.

Government funding is provided through the Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund, which was part of a $10.4 million interim flood package.