Victoria will receive $54 million in funding for disaster prevention and relief across the state, in stage two of the national Disaster Ready Fund.
Thirty-one combined investment projects will be funded in Victoria, with co-contributions made from either the state government or project delivery partners.
As part of the fund, $3 million was allocated to statewide remote bushfire detection support and Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said Victoria was one of the most fire-prone regions in the word.
"Remote bushfire detection using satellite and terrestrial cameras will improve the safety of our firefighters and reduce the impacts on communities," Minister Symes said.
Other projects to receive funding include:
- Statewide remote bushfire detection support
- Levee works in Wangaratta, Moira, Mount Alexander
- Drainage infrastructure upgrades, including pump systems, and other assets in Swan Hill
- Investigation of flood prone transport routes in North Central Victoria
- Statewide modernising of the pollen forecasting network to reduce future disaster risk
- Centre of Excellence for Young People and Disasters
- Increasing understanding of risk and resilience across East Gippsland LGA
- Mid-Goulburn Valley Flood Study
- Corryong Advanced Microgrid (CAM)
Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said as recovery continued in regions impacted by last year's October floods, it was critical to continue building resilience across the state and more needed to be invested in defending against disasters.
"From Shepparton to the Grampians, Campaspe to Geelong, these projects will help communities better prepare for threats in the future," Minister Watt said.
"We are changing the way Australia deals with natural disasters by planning better for the future to ensure that communities all around the country are better prepared, less exposed and in the best possible position to recover when disasters strike."
Funding will be provided from July 2023 and projects are to be completed within three years.
For a full list of funded projects, click here.
Holly McGuinness
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
