Storm funds welcomed

Baw Baw Shire will share in $8.2 million state government funding for storm affected municipalities.

The Council Support Fund will be shared by 10 councils impacted by last month’s devastating storms.

The fund is designed to boost recovery capabilities in the shire. It can be used to employ additional recovery staff, onboard specialist contractors and provide targeted training support to help communities recover.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) has been coordinating the state government’s recovery efforts.

Last week shire chief executive officer Mark Dupe met with BRV acting chief executive officer Carmel Flynn in Walhalla – one of the hardest hit areas in the shire - to provide a first-hand look at the situation on the ground and to discuss recovery priorities.

Mr Dupe also met with the Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp to discuss local impacts and the need for support.

The meetings followed a visit by Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll who assessed road damage to the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road.

Plans for a community meeting in Walhalla to involve residents, businesses and organisations that have been directly affected are underway.

The meeting will involve community members, council representatives, BRV, Regional Roads Victoria, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, and DELWP.

Red Cross will provide psychological first aid.

Mayor Danny Goss said council welcomed the crucial funding support.

“There are regions in our shire that have been absolutely devastated and it’s taken a big toll on residents and businesses.

“The level of direct dialogue we’ve had with the government and the key agencies about our local needs has been encouraging, as has the degree of inter-agency cooperation as we work through all the impacts,” he said.