Casey City Council will receive more funding to help it prepare for and respond to emergencies thanks to a funding boost from the State Government.
An extra $1 million will be invested in the Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, taking the total funding for Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer-metropolitan councils this financial year to $5.9 million.
The program pays for planning, communication and coordination work to make sure communities are well prepared and resilient.
The $73,200 of funding for Casey City Council can be used for a variety of emergency planning work, including ensuring a COVIDSafe environment in emergencies, education for communities in at-risk areas and other supports.
“This is about providing more support to make sure that councils have the staff, resources and tools they need to support their community during and after an emergency event,” said Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.
Before, during, and after emergencies, council responsibilities include supporting vulnerable people, running relief centres, and enabling economic and social recovery while ensuring that important, regular services continue to be provided.
Councils routinely use the funding to appoint an emergency management specialist, with some councils collaborating with neighbouring councils to fund a specialist position across their areas.
The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program began in 2010 in response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and provided funding for staff and programs to address the issues identified.
To find out more, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs.
