Additional funds for flood affected Victoria

The Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, today announced the Gillard Government will provide an additional $261,000 of Emergency Relief funding to help community and charitable organisations in areas affected by floods in Victoria.

Funding will be shared between 26 existing Emergency Relief service providers to deliver more assistance to Victorian communities whose lives have been affected by recent flooding.

“Many families and individuals have been impacted by the disaster and this funding will help as the community rebuilds,” Ms Collins said.

“Emergency Relief funds help community organisations provide people in need with essential items including food, transport, chemist supplies and help people find or pay for emergency accommodation.

“Emergency Relief service providers can provide part-payment of utility bills to ensure families keep connected to essential services,” Ms Collins said.

“Today’s announcement is in addition to more than $25.5 million in Commonwealth disaster payments to individuals affected by the floods crisis in Victoria,” Ms Collins said.

The Emergency Relief funding will be spread throughout the flood-affected areas of Victoria including Castlemaine, Carisbrook, Creswick, Clunes, Ballarat and the surrounding region.

More information about Commonwealth assistance for people impacted by flooding is available by visiting www.disasterassist.gov.au.