The federal and state governments are supporting Victorian communities affected by the 2022 flood and storm events with this funding.
Benalla Rural City is one of four councils sharing in the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said this betterment funding allowed councils to upgrade disaster-damaged roads, bridges, footpaths and drains to a higher standard — protecting them from future damage caused by serious weather events.
“Recovery is a long road, and we will always make sure these communities get the ongoing support they need to get back on track,” Ms Symes said.
Greater Shepparton City Council, Benalla Rural City Council and Pyrenees Shire Council will each receive further funding of $365,000 on top of funding they each received in 2023.
Towong Shire Council will receive $708,000 in its first allocation of betterment funding through the DRFA.
The DRFA Efficiencies Betterment Program assessed the damage bill of each eligible council and made allocations to ensure the funding received was fair across the state.
In Victoria, DRFA assistance measures for councils are funded from the Victorian Natural Disaster Relief Trust administered by Emergency Recovery Victoria within the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
More information about the DRFA can be found at vic.gov.au/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements.