Victorian communities will receive more than $9 million in funding for risk mitigation projects under joint state and federal grants. 

State Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the funds, which form the third round of grants offered by the National Partnership Agreement on Disaster Risk Reduction, to support nearly 50 mitigation initiatives across the state.  

Some $448,000 will be provided to the North Central Catchment Management Authority for three flood-mitigation schemes, including a mapping tool and a review of warning systems for northern Victorian communities that have been heavily hit by floods in recent years.  

The Greater Shepparton City Council will also receive $125,000 to install makeshift levee systems, and the City of Greater Bendigo will use $235,000 to improving Indigenous and multicultural communities’ understanding of natural disasters and emergency risks.  

“We’ll never be able to eradicate natural disasters – however we can ensure local communities are better prepared for when they occur,” Ms Symes said. “I look forward to following the success of these crucial projects.”  

Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt says this round of funds aims to primarily support locally led groups “with solutions that will help them better prepare and respond to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events”.   

Click here for a full list of funded projects.