By Jessica Anstice
The Cardinia Shire community will receive more than $73,000 from the State Government to help with the costs of planning for emergencies.
Thanks to the government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, Cardinia Shire Council will be able to ensure its communities are well-prepared and as resilient as they possibly can be should the worst happen.
Program funding can be used for a wide variety of different emergency planning work, ranging from education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas, to fire suppression.
Other councils often use the funding to appoint an emergency management position, with some councils collaborating with their neighbours to fund a shared specialist position.
“It’s great the government is supporting Cardinia Shire Council to keep communities in at-risk areas safe in an emergency,” Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
“This funding helps to make sure we have the skills and resources they need for their vital role.
“Last summer really brought home how important councils are when the worst happens. It’s really encouraging and reassuring to know that local councils have this vital support from the State Government.”
This year, the funding could be used for planning recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and emergency work in a Covid-safe environment.
Before, during and after emergencies council responsibilities include support for vulnerable people, running relief centres and enabling economic and social recovery, while continuing important services.
The 2020 Budget provided an extra $1 million for the program, bringing the total funding available to $5.6 million.
“During last summer’s devastating bushfires, councils did amazing things to support their communities and keep people safe,” Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said.
“Through this funding increase we are making sure they have additional access to the resources and tools they need.
“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.”
