Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Jaclyn Symes MP
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services
The Australian and Victorian Governments are continuing their commitment to support the recovery of communities impacted by the June 2021 storms and flood with a further $49.5 million joint investment for the state-coordinated Storm and Flood Clean-Up program.
This brings the investment in the clean-up program to $105 million. The funding is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the clean-up program has eased pressure on families and communities following the catastrophic storms that brought down trees, caused major flooding and damaged vital infrastructure.
“Clean-up is an important step in the recovery journey and this program is ensuring that the communities affected by the storms can take that step,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The program is helping to clean up homes, businesses and public infrastructure destroyed in the June storms and floods ensuring communities can get back their lives.
“Importantly, the program also works with local contractors to demolish, remove and dispose of structures that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the storms – ensuring that we support local businesses as part of the clean-up.”
Since opening in July, more than 1000 registrations have been received for clean-up or the assessment of hazardous trees, and make safe works are underway across the state.
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the clean-up program, which is being delivered by Bushfire Recovery Victoria in partnership with Johns Lyng Group, has been vital in ensuring properties are made safe.
“The clean-up process after a disaster is a daunting one for locals – that’s why we’re doing whatever we can to make it easier for communities to get the job done and make their homes safer,” Minister Symes said.
“Recovery from disaster takes a long time, and we’ll be standing with storm and flood affected Victorians for as long as it takes.”
While works will continue, new registrations for the residential component of the clean-up program will close on 31 October.
Property owners are encouraged to check their eligibility and register for the clean-up program at Bushfire Recovery Victoria or by phoning 1800 560 760.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.
