Funding boost for flooded homeowners

RESIDENTS in communities across Victoria left effected by floods last spring will have better access to reliable tradies under a partnership between Master Builders Victoria and the State Government.

The $2 million Connecting Communities to Builders program will aim see homeowners granted streamlined links to local plumbers, electricians and builders in a bid to speed up recovery efforts.

It comes almost a year after rising flood waters swamped homes and businesses from Melbourne to the banks of the Murray River.

Under the initiative, the State Government has only enlisted accredited tradespeople registered with Master Builders Victoria and other associations.

The MBV will use its funding allocation to help residents access registered tradespeople in a timelier manner.

People and Member Services Executive Director Giovanni Abelardo said the funding would help ensure much-needed recovery work would be carried out efficiently.

“We know the impact the floods had on thousands of people, many who were forced out of their homes or have had to contend with property damage and poor services ever since,” he said.

“This program is an important way for these communities to tap into the services on offer from the reliable and registered Master Builders Victoria members.”

Damage from spring floods was widespread after river systems broke their banks and floodwaters inundated communities and townships.

In all, 63 of the state’s 79 local government areas, were impacted.

Funding has also been provided to the five most impacted councils including Mount Alexander, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton and Mitchell shires and the City of Maribyrnong.

It will seek provide municipal planning departments with extra capacity to deal with the increase in planning and building enquiries and permit applications.

The Connecting Communities to Builders program will run until 30 June 2025 via the Department of Transport and Planning.

Any homeowner impacted by the floods is eligible and can register and submit a request and will then be emailed a list of approved registered builders and tradespeople in their area willing and able to take on work.

The applicant will then deal directly with the builder or tradesperson of their choosing.

To register for support or to find out more search ‘Connecting Community to Builders’ at planning.vic.gov.au.