AN extra $1 million will be invested in the state government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, taking the total funding for Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer-metropolitan councils this financial year to $5.9 million.
The program pays for planning, communication and co-ordination work to make sure communities are well prepared and resilient.
The funding can be used for a variety of emergency planning work, including education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas.
Grants can also be used to ensure that emergency work can be done in a COVIDSafe environment.
Before, during and after emergencies, council responsibilities include supporting vulnerable people; running relief centres; enabling economic and social recovery; and ensuring that important regular services continue to be provided.
Councils routinely use the funding to appoint an emergency management specialist, with some councils collaborating with neighbouring councils to fund a specialist position across their areas.
The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program began in 2010 in response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and provided funding for staff and programs to address the issues identified.
To find out more, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs.
