Council welcomes flood betterment funding

Published on 25 August 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council has welcomed an announcement from the Federal and Victorian governments for additional funding for repairing and rebuilding Council assets damaged during the October-December 2022 floods.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes announced that 14 councils severely impacted by last year’s floods, including Gannawarra Shire Council, would receive funding via the $9.4 million Council Priority Betterment Program to improve roads, bridges and footpaths damaged during the flood event.

“Any financial support that Council receives for repairing roads and culverts damaged during the floods is greatly appreciated,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“This funding will ensure infrastructure can be built back using more resilient methods or materials, meaning it is less likely these assets will be impacted in future flood events.”

“Council thanks the Federal and Victorian governments for their continued support, and we look forward to working alongside both levels of government as we continue to recover from our second major flood event in 11 years.”

Meanwhile, Council continues to work to repair the more than 1,000 kilometres of Council-managed roads damaged during the October-December 2022 floods, with efforts associated with the second of 13 road repair packages underway in the Macorna, Macorna North, Mincha West and Tragowel areas underway.

“Council is committed to repairing all flood-damaged infrastructure to a pre-flood standard, which will make it easier for residents and businesses to access properties via the quickest way possible,” Mr Rollinson said.

Regular updates regarding flood repair works will be provided via Council’s website, Gannawarra News, Gannawarra Connect and Council’s Facebook page.