The Andrews Labor Government has provided more than $73 million to help with ongoing repairs and recovery works following the devastating June flood and storm event.

The flood and storm event affected 2 million hectares of public land including in Wombat–Macedon, the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges and parts of Gippsland. Storm damage to powerlines resulted in widespread power outages and flooding affected Yallourn Power Station, with an electricity supply emergency declared on 17 June.

Funding will support the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria and water authorities to continue the significant program of works already underway.

It includes $27.6 million to repair roads and access tracks needed for public land firefighting and $2.6 million for hazardous and fallen tree removal on public land including work to re-open the 1000 Steps (Kokoda Track Memorial Walk).

Ensuring parks and forests are safe to visit again as Victorians get out and about is paramount with $10.7 million provided for safety works and $7.5 million for hazardous tree work. Funding of $2.7 million has been allocated for stabilisation and remediation works to protect Aboriginal sites.

Works on Gippsland riverbank will be supported with $5.2 million and $1.8 million is being provided to restore Melbourne Water’s water infrastructure.

Threatened species assessments and protection will be supported by more than $600,000 and $328,215 is being provided for weed control on public land.

The $73 million complements the recently announced $25.7 million package to support the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process for residents.

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The June storms affected communities across much of the state and we are supporting the continued response that is protecting our environment and infrastructure.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“This funding package means we can complete works to repair our beautiful waterways and essential water infrastructure.”

Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk James Merlino

“We are ensuring our communities are supported and kept safe – in particular we want Victorians to be able to get out and about again in some of most beautiful open spaces.”