The Federal and Victorian governments have announced local governments rebuilding from the effects of the 2009 bushfire will have an additional year to claim funding.

 

Attorney-General Robert McClelland  said Australian and Victorian Governments had agreed to extend the deadline for infrastructure claims for the 2009 bushfires under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

 

“Under the NDRRA, the Australian and Victorian Governments jointly fund the rebuilding of critical community infrastructure in areas hit by disaster, including roads, bridges and schools,” Mr McClelland said.

 

“So far, the Australian Government alone has contributed more than $468 million to help rebuild communities after the 2009 bushfires, in addition to an advance payment of $500m for reconstruction efforts following floods earlier this year."

 

Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said the extension to NDRRA would provide reassurance for councils still in the midst of reconstruction activities.

 

“This is good news for the Nillumbik, Murrindindi, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges municipalities where there are still a number of important outstanding recovery projects,” Mr Ryan said.

 

“Nillumbik, Murrindindi, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges shires have provided Emergency Management Australia and the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance with a list of projects that need an extension. Projects are being assessed to ensure they are consistent with the NDRRA criteria.

 

Affected councils now have until June 2012 to complete remaining community recovery and reconstruction activities under the NDRRA.