Immediate support gets the ball rolling

East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of more than $1 million in immediate support to be provided through the new National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

Mayor Cr John White, who along with his councillor colleagues has been visiting some of the region’s more remote and smaller communities this week, said the Prime Minister’s announcement that the support will arrive in Council’s bank account within days provides local communities with some certainty around urgent recovery works.

“Working with the community, Council will continue to advocate for the resources that are needed right across our region.

“We look forward to working closely with both the Federal and State Governments to ensure our communities get what they need,” Cr White said.

“We are looking forward to further announcements of financial and other support in the coming days, weeks and months as our devastated towns and communities work to get back on their feet,” Cr White said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday that 42 councils in bushfire devastated areas would receive more than $60 million, with another $18 million to be distributed at the discretion of the National Bushfire Agency. Larger council areas such as East Gippsland will receive more due to their size and the sheer scale of devastation.

“We are heartened by the speed and urgency of this support and welcome that there is more support on the way. As a council we will do everything we can to ensure our communities get what they need when they need it,” Cr White said.

“The situation is urgent, and the urgency will continue to grow over the coming days and weeks.”