RUDD GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE VICTORIA $965,000 TO HELP BUSHFIRE PREPARATION

Attorney–General Robert McClelland and the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Bob Cameron today announced that Victoria will receive $965,000 in funding from the Rudd Government’s Bushfire Mitigation Program.

“This substantial Commonwealth support will help Victoria clear fire trails, remove undergrowth, and take other measures to help prevent bushfires,” Mr McClelland said.

“The public rightly expects Governments to work together when tackling the risks of natural disasters, such as bushfires.”

“This funding will help Victorian volunteers and paid fire fighters better respond to emergencies over the summer fire season by improving access and upgrading infrastructure and signage across the state,” Mr Cameron said.

“Bushfire season is upon us and we must do everything we can to ensure we are ready to fight the fires that are expected to hit Victoria this year.”

The Bushfire Mitigation Program complements steps being taken by the states and territories to reduce the risks associated with bushfires.

It also addresses vital issues that have been identified by a number of bushfire inquiries, including the House of Representatives Select Committee Report, ‘A Nation Charred: Inquiry into the Recent Australian Bushfires’ and the Council of Australian Government’s ‘National Inquiry on Bushfire Mitigation and Management’.

Further information about the Bushfire Mitigation Program is available from the Victorian Department of Justice, on telephone (03) 8684 7903 and on the Emergency Management Australia website at www.ema.gov.au.

Media contacts:
Adam Sims, Mr McClelland’s office, 0419 480 224
Lidija Ivanovski, Mr Cameron’s office, 0458 392 397
Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison, 0408 606 462

Attorney General's Department

RUDD GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE VICTORIA $965,000 TO HELP BUSHFIRE PREPARATION