Money for emergencies

A State Government funding boost will help municipal councils such as Horsham Rural City, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians and Ararat prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The government is providing $26,400 to Northern Grampians, $13,200 to Ararat and $52,800 collectively to the other Wimmera councils.

The program pays for planning, communication and co-ordination work to ensure communities are prepared and resilient.

Councils can use the money for emergency planning work, including education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas and ensure emergency work can occur in a COVID-SAFE environment.

Before, during and after emergencies, council responsibilities include supporting vulnerable people, running relief centres and supporting economic and social recovery while ensuring important regular services continue.

Councils routinely use the funding to appoint an emergency-management specialist and some collaborate with neighbouring councils to fund a specialist position across their areas.

The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program started in 2010 in response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said councils, with a close connection to people ‘on the ground’ played an important role during emergencies.

“We want to continue making sure they can do the critical work of supporting their communities,” he said.