By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council has received $10 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Preparing Australia Program, the most out of any municipality in the country.
The Preparing Australia Program funds projects to mitigate or reduce disaster risk, impact and consequences. The funding will be delivered over a six-year period.
Mayor of Yarra Ranges Jim Child said the funding will increase disaster preparedness, risk management, recovery and future resilience for communities in the shire.
“We’re extremely thankful that the Federal Government has recognised the importance of this issue, particularly as we approach the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic storms that hit the Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Child said.
“Responding in an emergency is as much about preparation and planning as it is about the actual response and clean-up itself, so this funding will go a long way to help us plan and protect our communities for any future emergencies that may arise.”
The funding will be used towards the Resilient Yarra Ranges Project, which aims to increase resilience planning, complete tree management and clean-up from storm events, access the feasibility for a microgrid across the essential buildings in Monbulk, upgrade council community buildings to serve as emergency relief centers, provide suitable facilities for those unable to use accessible toilets at Kilsyth Sports Centre, commission a bushfire risk assessment for areas in the Dandenong Ranges and provide better-coordinated support and material air resources across the Yarra Ranges.
Mr Child thanked the retiring member for Casey Tony Smith, who he said has been a wonderful local representative for the Yarra Ranges.
“Tony has been a great advocate for our community for a long period of time and has helped us advocate for better funding and services in our municipality.
“This is a perfect example of the great working relationships we have with our counterparts across different levels of Government.”
Mr Child also said there is still significant work towards recovery from the June 2021 storm weather event.
For more information on the funding and other successful application can be found at www.recovery.gov.au/preparing-australian-communities-program-local
