The Rebuilding Together plan sets out the rebuilding priorities for bushfire-affected communities, which have been driven by local communities. These priorities will help to rebuild essential town buildings and services, generate business growth and investment and rehabilitate key local attractions central to future prosperity.

It outlines the next steps the Australian and Victorian governments, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and corporate and philanthropic donors will take to deliver projects identified by the communities affected as vital to their recovery.

Many communities in Victoria were changed by the bushfires in 2009.

For some towns it meant whole infrastructures being wiped out: shops, schools, community halls, police stations and sporting clubs. To walk down the main street of Marysville is to be reminded of how the bushfires swept away everything in their path.

Towns and houses can be rebuilt, but it will take time and support from many to re-establish these communities.

In the days after the fires the Victorian Government, in partnership with Australian Red Cross and the Commonwealth Government, established the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. When the Appeal officially closed in April, $379 million had been raised. To the end of September 2009 this had increased to $386 million due to interest and final committed donations.

Initially, funding from the Appeal Fund was allocated to individuals and families to assist with their urgent needs, and thousands of survivors have received support, with more still flowing.

But the Appeal Fund Advisory Panel also set aside about 25 per cent of the total funds raised for community projects in the bushfire-affected areas.

The Fund's goal is to deliver projects that contribute to the re-establishment of those towns and communities affected by the tragedy of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

The Fund has worked closely with the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority to identify community-generated projects the Fund can assist that will both help those communities most in need and are a priority for that community. These projects need to reflect the original intent of the Appeal, the wishes of the donors and the needs of communities. That is what donors to the Appeal would expect.

It could take a long time for these communities to rebuild. And it is the responsibility of every body and agency involved in the recovery and rebuilding effort to provide as much support as possible.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, on behalf of its donors, is proud to be able to contribute to the statewide reconstruction effort.

Some $11.64 million of this has already been allocated to projects that are ready to progress, including rebuilding community halls and multipurpose centres, building new community facilities, restoring recreational facilities, and repairing or building walking and cycling paths.

These projects are being funded through the Appeal Fund, subject to advice from the Australian Taxation Office being finalised and the Authority receiving robust project plans and final costings.

Other funding has been set aside for projects aimed at strengthening and supporting communities through their recovery.

Additional funding is available from the Fund for other community projects identified in Community Recovery Plans. It will be allocated to specific projects once they are ready to progress and meet the Fund's guidelines for allocating donor money. The projects must align with the expectations of affected individuals and communities and not necessarily duplicate other funding and not be a core responsibility of government.

In detail, Appeal Fund has allocated $56 million in total, and of this $13 million already spent on psychological support (phase 1 and 2) and $11.64 allocated to projects outlined in plan.

Related Links

Rebuilding Together - Statewide Plan (PDF, 3.2MB)

Rebuilding Together - Media Release