The Victorian State Government is committing more than $73 million to help with ongoing repairs and recovery works following the devastating flooding and storms in June.
It includes $27.6 million to repair roads and access tracks needed for public land firefighting and $2.6 million for hazardous and fallen tree removal on public land, including work to re-open the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps).
The flood and storm event affected 2 million hectares of public land in the Dandenong Ranges and parts of Gippsland, along with Wombat–Macedon region and the Yarra.
The $73 million complements the recently announced $25.7 million package to support the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process for residents.
“The June storms affected communities across much of the state and we are supporting the continued response that is protecting our environment and infrastructure,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said.
Storm damage to powerlines resulted in widespread power outages, while flooding affected Yallourn Power Station, with an electricity supply emergency declared on 17 June.
Funding will support the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria and water authorities to continue the significant program of works already underway.
$10.7 million will be provided for safety works and $7.5 million for hazardous tree removal work will ensure parks and forests are safe to visit again.
Funding of $2.7 million has been allocated for stabilisation and remediation works to protect Aboriginal sites.
Works on Gippsland riverbank will be supported with $5.2 million and $1.8 million provided to restore Melbourne Water’s water infrastructure.
