The state opposition has called for a $500 million fund to be established to help communities recover from bushfires.
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State opposition leader Michael O'Brien said such a fund was long overdue to support Victorians when bushfires impacted on country communities.
"Families, farmers, businesses and communities deserve to know their immediate and ongoing needs will be met at a time when they need it most," he said.
"The Federal and NSW governments have stepped up to with a dedicated bushfire recovery fund. The Andrews Labor Government now has a responsibility to step up with a dedicated fund to assist communities to rebuild and recover."
Mr O'Brien said there was a mammoth task ahead in Gippsland cleaning up homes and sheds that were destroyed in this summer's fires and replacing fencing and farm infrastructure.
He said a dedicated fund was required to ensure the rebuilding needs of local communities were met.
Given the federal government has committed $2 billion and the NSW Government $1 billion and the Andrews Labor Government should establish a Victorian Bushfire Recovery Fund with a minimum of $500 million over the next two years, he said.
The Bushfire Recovery Fund should provide for:
- Post bushfire clean-up and demolition programs, as well as rebuilding and replacing public and farm infrastructure lost or damaged as a result of the bushfires;
- Assistance for community recovery from bushfires, including grants for rebuilding community facilities;
- Environmental restoration work, including the re-seeding of forests and rehabilitation of affected flora and fauna;
- Support packages for local small businesses and tourism operators impacted by the bushfires, including specific tourism promotion campaigns for bushfire-affected areas; and
- Mental health support programs to help individuals and families through the aftermath of the devastating loss of life and property.
Mr O'Brien said that unlike New South Wales, which has committed a $1 billion fund dedicated to rebuilding and the recovery of communities, the Andrews Labor Government had no fund or plan to ensure that necessary resources were readily available to Victorians.
He said Victorians expected that the money allocated to the recovery and rebuilding of our communities was properly accounted for.
It must be delivered directly to affected communities and not tied up in a new Labor bureaucracy, he said.
Mr O'Brien said nor should the fund be sourced through an increase in the Fire Services Property Levy or other additional impost on taxpayers.
So many Victorians have generously contributed to support those affected by the bushfires; it is time for the government to cut waste to better support those in need, rather than increasing taxes yet again, he said.
Nationals leader Peter Walsh said country communities had shown tremendous resilience, but they needed ongoing support to get back on their feet.
"Each community is unique, with unique needs. A dedicated recovery fund will ensure local people have a say in making sure this money is directed where it's needed most," he said.
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