Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Ministers statements: fire and storm events

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:31): Today I rise to commend the hard work and resilience that the people of Victoria employed in local government have demonstrated over last week’s catastrophic weather events. From the devastating bushfires in Pomonal to the extensive damage from the intense storms, our state has taken a battering, but we are doing what we do best and working together to get the job done.

We know that in these events it is councils, firstly, on the front line, standing up relief centres, coordinating local clean-ups and caring for the community. Last week I visited both Ararat and Northern Grampians councils and met with mayors and CEOs, and what I saw were communities jumping into action, immediately implementing recovery plans and making sure their communities were safe and looked after. In fact just today I met with the mayor and CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, who are in the gallery today. They have the monstrous task of cleaning up Mirboo North and surrounds, and they told me that 60 per cent of their staff have been deployed to the storm response, whether it is staffing relief centres, providing emotional and financial support or clearing blocked roads.

Just six weeks ago I was talking to councils about the devastating floods of January. I was in Campaspe and Greater Bendigo councils, where I saw unprecedented damage to our road network. The Banfield Bridge at Mosquito Creek was literally picked up and washed away. The effects of floods over the past two years have been devastating, and that is why we announced a $105 million package just last week to support the immediate and long-term recovery of our community. This funding will allow for emergency roadworks across the state, fixing potholes, repairing road surfaces and getting Victorians back on the road. This is on top of the $770 million we have invested in road maintenance. That equates to $2 million a day on our road network after the October 2022 floods. I commend councils’ resilience, determination and sheer will to get the job done. The Allan Labor government stands shoulder to shoulder with these councils.