Yarra Ranges Council has welcomed the State Government's announcement of up to $650,000 in grant funding to support local communities affected by the June 2021 Storm.
As part of a regional partnership, $650,000 will be shared by Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council, to support volunteer clean-up groups, Habitat for Humanity Victoria and Treasuring Our Trees.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child said this funding will help facilitate extended private property clean-up efforts across the region.
"This funding announcement is a fantastic win for the storm affected residents of Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire Council," Cr Child said.
"Clean-up is an important step following a disaster, and we understand that some residents are still struggling to remove larger storm material from their properties."
"This program will help clear that debris and we feel very lucky to be able to support these passionate volunteer groups whose efforts in cleaning up private property will have enormous benefits to our communities and help reduce the associated financial burden and mental strain on our residents."
The funding will allow Cardinia Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Council to work with Habitat For Humanity and Treasuring our Trees and connect known vulnerable residents with the volunteer groups.
The grants will also support equipment purchases and critical training opportunities.
Cardinia Mayor, Councillor Jeff Springfield said Cardinia Council is proud to be part of this important project that will have positive outcomes for all storm affected residents.
"Cardinia Shire Council is a proud partner in this important project, which will provide much-needed assistance to our storm-impacted residents with what is, for some, a huge clean-up task ahead," " said Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield
"We look forward to working alongside Habitat for Humanity and Treasuring our Trees in delivering positive outcomes for our community."
Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer organisation who launched a storm recovery program assisting vulnerable homeowners to clean up their properties by cutting and removing fallen trees, clearing debris and conducting minor home repair.
Since the storm they have received over 100 requests for help and have undertaken over 40 storm-related volunteer days.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Philip Curtis said the work undertaken by Habitat for Humanity Victoria in the storm affected areas revealed there were still many residents in need of practical assistance and this funding would further help the volunteer organisation to deliver that service.
"We are pleased Cardinia and Yarra Ranges Council has secured this grant funding to support our team and volunteers to assist vulnerable residents unable to complete the cleaning up and restoration of their properties," Mr Curtis said.
"We are looking forward to engaging volunteers from across the community to support those needing assistance. We value the opportunity to partner with Council to generate positive outcomes for residents impacted by the storms."
