Greater Shepparton City Council will partner with Strathbogie Shire Council to design localised emergency action plans in high-risk areas as part of a $1.66 million grant program, with funds awarded to nine Victorian councils over the next two years.
The Safer Together Strengthening Local Government Partnerships program aims to support councils in designing and implementing community-centred approaches to reduce bushfire risk.
“The Strathbogie Shire Council welcomes this grant, which will allow council to work collaboratively with the communities of Kirwans Bridge and Ruffy and agencies including the CFA to develop a Local Emergency Action Plan for their communities,” Strathbogie Shire Council administrator Peter Stephenson said.
The program, established in 2018, has now awarded almost $4 million in funding to support community-based initiatives.
Central Goldfields Shire Council will work with local groups, including the CFA, to design a bushfire education day and develop materials to help the community prepare for emergencies. Cardinia Shire will expand its Bushfire Prepare online learning program, while other councils receiving funding include Glenelg Shire, Mitchell Shire, Pyrenees Shire and Rural City of Wangaratta.
“Forest Fire Managment Victora, Country Fire Authority and our sector partners are proud to support these Safer Together initiatives as part of our collective responsibility with community to reduce bushfire risk,” FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.
A full list of funded projects is available at http://www.safertogether.vic.gov.au/strengthening-localgovernment-partnerships