Flood recovery money allocated

A JOINT recovery fund to assist community groups to undertake repair work after last year’s floods has been initiated by the State and Federal governments.

Twelve committees within the City of Greater Bendigo have been allocated money, with a total of $2.45 million going to wards recreation reserves and other facilities on public land in the region.

Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt, said the initiative is part of the environmental funding package announced in June.

“This support will fund repairs to halls, caravan parks, camping areas, multi-use recreation reserves and other important community facilities on public land, ensuring community assets in regional Victoria are back up and running for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

The funds will be used to restore facilities damaged by the floods as well as completing upgrades to future disaster prevention measures.

Ingrid Stitt, Victorian Minister for Environment, said the funds are being used to restore facilities that are important to local communities.

“This important funding will ensure the hardest hit communities from last year’s floods are able to recover as quickly as possible,” she said.

Local recreation reserves set to benefit from the grants include Axedale, Bagshot, Bill Cole, East Shelbourne, Elmore River, Emu Creek, Kamarooka, Mandurang, Marong, Raywood, and Woodvale.

Heathcote Showgrounds and racecourse, Woodvale Public Hall, and the Axedale racecourse will also be restored.

Horseracing venue Lords Raceway received funding under the scheme for repairs to roads, carparks and draining at the venue, as well as general works.

Member for Bendigo East and Deputy-Premier Jacinta Allen welcomed the money.

“This important funding will ensure that parts of our community that were hit hardest by last year’s floods are able to recover as quickly as possible,” she said.

As part of the program, grants totalling $11.8 million will be issued to 125 voluntary committees responsible for the management of public spaces and reserves throughout Victoria.