Council
1 April, 2026
Funding delivered for emergency recovery
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will be among 15 local government areas to share in $15 million funding through a recently-announced funding arrangement.
The Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which is jointly funded through the State and Federal Government, will be used to fund 27 new community recovery officers and invest in recovery hubs in impacted communities.
Community recovery officers will work with eligible councils to ensure community needs are understood.
Councils will manage staffing appointments and exact recovery hub locations.
Other local government areas to receive funding include Colac Otway Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, Ararat Rural City Council and Golden Plains Shire Council.
This summer Victorians have experienced the devastating impacts of bushfires.
More than 430,000 hectares have burnt and more than 1500 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Federal Government stands with Victorians impacted by the January fires.
“I want to thank our first responders, emergency services and volunteers that were courageous in risking themselves to protect and save their community,” she said.
“Recovery has a long tail and it will be some time before our bushfire affected regions are fully back on their feet, but the Albanese Government will be them every step of the way.”
The investment is part of $370 million in relief and recovery support the governments have committed under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward said the State Government looked to stand with Victorians as they recover from the fires.
“Recovery works best when it’s shaped by locals – we’re giving councils the people and places they need to support their communities through the long road ahead,” she said.
Victorians can find out more about available recovery support on the Emergency Recovery Victoria website at vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires or by calling the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to access support through the Emergency Recovery Support Program.