Benjamin Millar
Melton and Wyndham councils will share in almost $150,000 in state government funding to help prepare for future emergencies.
The funding is part of the state government’s $5.6 million Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, which helps Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer-metropolitan councils prepare communities for emergency events.
Council responsibilities around emergencies include support for vulnerable people, running relief centres and working towards economic and social recovery.
They can use the program funding for a range of emergency planning work including fire suppression and education for communities in at-risk areas.
Funding can also be used for planning recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and emergency work in a COVIDSafe environment.
Councils often use the funding to create a specialist emergency management position, with some sharing the position across neighbouring councils.
Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said councils’ extensive local knowledge and close connection to communities makes them a vital part of Victoria’s response to emergency events.
“During last summer’s devastating bushfires, councils did amazing things to support their communities and keep people safe,” he said.
“Councils can and do make a huge difference to community resilience and recovery in the face of an emergency.
“The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is one of the best ways we can support that work.”
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said last summer’s bushfires brought home how important councils are when the worst happens.
