Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says more than $165 million will be provided to help fix roads destroyed by floods and storms in the past week, while more than 11,000 people have applied for emergency relief payments.
The emergency road relief package will also cover larger works to completely rebuild some roads and bridges.
Mr Andrews said “there will need to be more money beyond that” and that would be announced over coming days, with inspections of the more than 10,000 potholes across the state.
There were more than 350 roads closed across Victoria.
Mr Andrews said there would be an additional $150 million for a co-ordinated clean-up effort and flood management plan for residents hardest hit by the flooding.
He said more than 3000 payments had been approved from those who had applied.
“We’ll get them paid out as quickly as we possibly can,” he said.
“The fact more than 11,000 people have applied gives you a sense of how many people are out of their homes.”
Mr Andrews thanked the thousands of volunteers who had helped over the past few days.
“They’re the best of us, and to many of those without a uniform, pitching in and helping friends and family is something they should be proud of at this, the most difficult of times,” he said.
“Can I thank each and every one of those volunteers doing an amazing job. We thank all of you.”
He said a number of schools had closed due to flooding, despite Year 12 exams starting next week.
“We’ll have more to say on Tuesday about what we’re doing for students starting exams,” Mr Andrews said.