Bushfire recovery initiatives
Mr TILLEY (Benambra) (12:47:107:): Two and a half years ago we stood in this place having just removed our masks for a very different reason. It was the result of the fires that tore through the Upper Murray and Gippsland. Bushfire Recovery Victoria was established to manage the recovery. Here in 2022 the funding for that recovery work, in particular council support work in the Upper Murray by the Towong shire, expires at the end of next month. As members can appreciate, COVID lockdowns and limitations significantly restricted the work that was being done and it remains far from being finished. I am aware Towong council had applied for funding that would have allowed for staff to continue this work beyond 30 June. There was nothing in this year’s budget. This community is getting on with life, but the scars remain. Recently another young man in the district attempted suicide in this little town with little more than a thousand people—that is seven since the fires went through.
While the Upper Murray worries about its future, a kennel and dog obedience school in Wangaratta was the recipient of $50 000 for an accessible rest room from Bushfire Recovery Victoria. It was funny—the federal independent for Indi, who was all about integrity, saw fit to go and get a photo at the kennel. Was that the best use of funds and the most appropriate use of bushfire recovery money? Please do not forget the Upper Murray.