Need Help With Bushfire Recovery? Funding Still Available.

Need help with bushfire recovery?

Funding still available to protect land, water and farm assets

A group of Victorian agencies responsible for managing the region's natural resources continue to work together to support people affected by the February 2009 bushfires, a year
after the event.

Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Bushfire Recovery Coordinator Sarah Canham says "Many of the issues surrounding bushfire recovery and property management after bushfire are only starting to appear now. There have been some obvious ongoing concerns around fencing, erosion and water quality, but other problems like controlling weeds and rabbits, which can impact the quality of productive land, are now emerging a few seasons on.

"For many property owners in the bushfire affected area these issues will continue to need attention. The `Need Help?' bushfire recovery program is designed to provide answers, and where possible funding, for these issues. Anyone looking for advice about property recovery or think they may be eligible for funding should contact us."

The Port Phillip and Westernport CMA in conjunction with local councils, Department of Primary Industries, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Landcare and Melbourne Water are working together to direct Australian Government funds and providing advice where it's needed. Landholders in Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges or Cardinia and Baw Baw shires who would like help with property recovery, should enquire.

On the spot small grants of up to $5,000 are available to landholders who meet the criteria, and landholders may be eligible for more than $5,000 in special cases.

Typical questions being asked are:
* What is that unusual plant growing on my land since the fires?
* Will these weeds be a problem?
* There seem to be lots of rabbits appearing recently, what should I do?
* Can I do anything to help bushland patches or waterways on my land recover?

What can be provided?
* One-to-one advice regarding property recovery
* Property Recovery Plans
* Information sessions and practical field days
* Funding, technical advice and labour to help with property recovery (determined during a site visit)

What will it involve?
A Field Officer will come to the property and gather information about what was it was like before the bushfire and discuss any issues. The Field Officer will provide advice and/or a Property Recovery Plan.

Contact Sarah Canham,
Bushfire Recovery Coordinator
on 03 9296 4644.
Your DHS Case Manager or Local Council.
www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

SOURCE: Port Phillip and Westernport CMA