Extension of Victorian Bushfire Rebuilding Assistance
Local councils still rebuilding from the 2009 bushfires will now have an extra year to claim reconstruction funding, as announced by Attorney General, Robert McClelland and Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan.
The Australian and Victorian Governments have agreed to extend the deadline for infrastructure claims for the 2009 bushfires under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). This includes the rebuilding of critical community infrastructure in areas hit by disaster, including roads, bridges and schools.
"The extension will help many of the communities devastated by the 2009 bushfires that were also severely affected by floods last year,” said Mr McClelland.
"That second natural disaster in as many years put some bushfire recovery projects back to square one and gave very little time for these council shires to meet the initial funding deadline.”
"So far, the Australian Government alone has contributed more than $468 million to help rebuild communities after the 2009 bushfires, in addition to an advance payment of $500m for reconstruction efforts following floods earlier this year."
Mr Ryan said the extension to NDRRA would provide reassurance for councils still in the midst of reconstruction activities.
Nillumbik, Murrindindi, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges shires have provided Emergency Management Australia and the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance with a list of projects that need an extension. Projects are being assessed to ensure they are consistent with the NDRRA criteria.
Affected councils now have until June 2012 to complete remaining community recovery and reconstruction activities under the NDRRA.