Collaboration and community spirit drive flood recovery

Victoria’s families and communities have made significant progress in recovering from one of the state’s worst floods in living memory, according to a new report released by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Premier Ted Baillieu and Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan today released the 2010-11 Victorian Floods Recovery Progress Report which outlines the extent of statewide flood damage and the Coalition Government’s response.

“This report documents the great progress Victorians have made in recovering from the physical, financial and emotional strain caused by these historic floods, not just in the immediate aftermath but during the course of the year,” Mr Baillieu said.

The report acknowledges that the 2009 bushfires and more than a decade of drought had already created high levels of stress in some communities and the subsequent floods compounded the situation.

“Victorians have shown great resilience in the face of adversity, with local councils, Catchment Management Authorities, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments all playing an important role in Victoria’s recovery efforts,” Mr Baillieu said.

“We are proud of our record of responding immediately to each flood event when they occurred and providing assistance and targeted support to those in need.”

The total cost of emergency response, repairs to state-owned assets and support for community recovery from floods is estimated at $904 million.

Key statistics from the 2010-11 Victorian Floods Recovery Progress Report include the following:

• 17,500 VICSES calls for assistance were made during the floods
• More than 2,000 roads were damaged, covering 25 per cent of roads and tracks on Victorian public land
• Approximately 220 bridges, including 49 railway bridges, were extensively damaged
• 76 national and state parks or reserves were affected
• The estimated loss in tourism revenue is $176 million.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the floods had highlighted the strength of Victorian communities and the readiness of all Victorians to help each other in times of need.

“The spirit of flood-affected communities and the support from people and organisations all across the state has helped recovery efforts, but there are still communities requiring assistance and the government will continue to help those in need,” Mr Ryan said.

“About 9,500 personal hardship grants were made through the Department of Human Services in the immediate aftermath of the floods, for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.

“Throughout the year a further 2,500 households received major personal hardship grants to cover the cost of temporary accommodation, food, clothing, personal and household items.”

Mr Ryan said local economies were supported through a range of initiatives to sustain employment and support local businesses in the aftermath of the floods.

“Open for Business marketing campaigns were put in place to promote tourist areas such as the Murray, Grampians, Great Ocean Road and Goldfields regions,” Mr Ryan said.

“Major reconstruction activities were also undertaken to re-open the Grampians National Park, and the Tidal River area at Wilsons Promontory was re-opened in time for the September school holidays.

“The Coalition Government will continue to drive flood recovery progress forward and work towards flood and disaster resilience,” Mr Ryan said.

Visit the Flood Recovery Progress Report page for more information and to download a copy.