AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2011
Vic:New programs for Black Saturday survivors
KINGLAKE, Vic, Feb 1 AAP - The body co-ordinating recovery efforts after the devastating
Black Saturday bushfires will be wound up at mid-year and several new programs introduced.
The Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority will close by the end of June.
Premier Ted Baillieu announced a range of new programs and pledged never to forget
all those affected by the Black Saturday fires, which killed 173 people.
"We will not forget, we will not ignore, and we will not turn our backs on these communities,"
he told reporters in Kinglake on Tuesday.
From July 1, a new bushfire recovery unit within Regional Development Victoria will
serve as a one-stop shop for people needing help after the 2009 fires.
A new community support program will be introduced, as well as a program to help councils
in the 10 communities most affected by the fires.
The Mobile Rebuilding Advisory Service will continue this year, and three community
engagement coordinators will continue their work until December 2012.
Bushfire Response Minister Peter Ryan said the support programs would continue for
the next 16 months and be evaluated continually.
He said the government would not suddenly cut support and would ensure no one fell
through the cracks.
Mr Ryan said the government remained committed to carrying out all the recommendations
from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
AAP mj/gfr/jl
KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES BLACK (VIDEO AVAILABLE)
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