Councils’ emergency response boosted

COUNCILS in the Geelong region will receive more funding to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies via support from the Victorian Government.

An extra $1 million will be invested in the Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program (MERP), taking the total funding for Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer metropolitan councils to $5.9 million this financial year.

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

The $26,400 in additional of funding for the City of Greater Geelong and the $52,800 in additional funding for the Surf Coast, Colac Otway and Corangamite shires 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 emergency work can be done in a COVIDSafe environment.

Before, during and after emergencies, council responsibilities include supporting vulnerable people, running relief centres and enabling economic and social recovery, all while 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.

“This is about providing more support to make sure that councils have the staff, resources and tools they need to support their community during and after an emergency event,” South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said.

The MERP was established in 2010 in response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission to provide funding for staff and programs to address the identified issues.

The Victorian Government is also undertaking a Councils and Emergencies review to enhance councils’ ability to perform their emergency management role.

The review is considering all aspects of council emergency capability.

Work on the third phase was delayed due to the 2019-20 bushfire season and the coronavirus pandemic, and is expected to be completed later this year.

“With their local knowledge and close connection to people on the ground, councils play such an important role in helping communities during emergencies – and we want to continue making sure they can do the critical work of supporting their communities,” Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane said.

For more information, head to the Local Government Victoria website.