The Australian and Victorian governments have announced a new round of disaster recovery funding, with four councils to share $1.8 million through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Towong Shire Council will receive $708,000 in its first allocation of funding through the DRFA.
Greater Shepparton City Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Benalla Rural City Council will receive an additional $365,000, building on previous funding granted in 2023.
“This further funding will make sure public infrastructure is not just repaired but is future-proofed to stand up against ongoing weather events,” Natural Disaster Recovery Minister Vicki Ward said.
The funding allows councils to upgrade roads, bridges, footpaths and drains to a higher standard, mitigating future damage from severe weather.
Greater Shepparton City Council director of community Louise Mitchell expressed gratitude for the support.
“Council welcomes the announcement of $365,000 funding to assist Greater Shepparton build assets back to a more resilient standard, following a series of flood and storm events,” she said.
“Work is under way to consider how best to allocate the recently announced funding.”
DRFA’s Efficiencies Betterment program assessed the damage bill of each eligible council and made allocations to ensure the funding received was fair across the state.
The funds come from the Victorian Natural Disaster Relief Trust, administered by Emergency Recovery Victoria within the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
For more information about DRFA, visit vic.gov.au/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements
