Media Releases

Nationals Member for Rodney, Paul Weller and the President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Andrew Broad visited flood affected farms in the Picola, Barmah and Nathalia areas on Wednesday to inspect the damage and offer support.

Mr Weller and Mr Broad visited several farms in Picola all of which varied in the affects suffered from the flood waters.

Both Mr Weller and Mr Broad discussed support that is available to farmers including the delivery of fodder to flood-affected farmers whose stock feed has been damaged or destroyed by flood water.

The Victorian Farmers Federation is co-ordinating the delivery of fodder and people can donate good quality feed to be distributed to farmers in need. For information on the fodder drive, contact the VFF on 1300 833 833.

Mr Weller said “The Rural Finance Corporation (RFC) has help in the form of clean-up and restoration grants of $25,000 available. RFC also have low-interest loans of $200,000 on offer for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations who suffered damage as a direct result of the recent floods. The Shepparton office of the Rural Finance Corporation can be contacted on 5821 2655.”

One of the real problems now was the water still remained on the properties and had not yet cleared. The forecast for some cooler weather was a concern since farmers could not assess the damage or work on their land until the water had receded,” Mr Weller said.

 

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder today joined Member for Rodney Paul Weller and Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy to visit the flood affected communities of Nathalia and Numurkah to view the extensive damage to roads caused by the floods and recent heavy rains.

Mr Mulder said he was keen to get a first-hand impression of the damage the flood waters have caused to the local and arterial road network and local communities in the north east.

“It’s important for the local communities to know the Coalition Government will support them through a variety of means as they begin the clean-up and recovery phase of this latest flood event. I feel for them and can now appreciate efforts that many staff and volunteers have made to keep communities like Nathalia and Numurkah safe,” Mr Mulder said.

“Seeing the Great Wall of Nathalia is impressive and I commend the foresight of the local council, with assistance from the government, to purchase the wall.

“Almost 350 roads have been closed or flood affected since the heavy rains began on 27 February. Currently more than 160 roads, most of them local roads, remain closed or covered by water.

“VicRoads has begun assessing the damage to the road network and will assist councils with their assessments. Once the waters have receded VicRoads and councils will have a much clearer picture of the repairs required.”

Mr Weller said the community could count on the government to be there every step of the way.

“The Victorian Coalition Government will work closely with the affected communities to make sure repairs and assistance is provided as soon as possible,” Mr Weller said.

Mr McCurdy said these communities greatly appreciate the support the Government provides and would rally behind one another to rebuild once again.

“In times of natural disasters rural communities are famous for coming together and helping each other in any way possible,” Mr McCurdy said.

Whilst today’s visit included the towns of Nathalia and Numurkah, Mr Mulder said the impact of the floods had been widespread, with Katamatite and Yarrawonga some of the worst affected areas, particularly the damage on the local road network.

“The Coalition Government will ensure these roads which are vital to the rural communities are made safe and accessible as soon as possible,” Mr Mulder said.

Victorian Government support is available for anyone affected by the floods. This support may include financial assistance, counselling and possible referral to other agencies for emergency assistance.

Go to: www.floodrecovery.vic.gov.au or call the Department of Human Services recovery information line on 1300 366 356.

 

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has welcomed additional support for flood affected residents and farmers throughout the Nathalia, Picola and Barmah districts and has urged those who need assistance to ask for help.

 

After recent visits to the many flood affected areas - home to more than 25, 000 people - Mr Weller has announced that additional support is now available to communities under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

 

“Fifteen different communities have been affected by the floods with water covering two thirds of the Moira Shire,” Mr Weller said.

 

“An early estimate of damage to infrastructure and roads is in excess of $10 million, with the full cost not known until the water subsides,” he said.

 

Flood recovery meetings have been held across the area and Flood Recovery Centres opened to assist affected residents in many towns, including Tungamah, Numurkah, Katamatite and Nathalia.

 

“A team of flood recovery officers is on hand to assist those affected by flood waters and representatives from various government and non-government agencies such as Department of Human Services, Department of Primary Industries and the Red Cross, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are offering assistance,” Mr Weller said.

 

Mr Weller has confirmed that the Victorian Department of Human Services has funding available to those affected and includes an Emergency Relief Assistance Initial Payment (Minor) of $1200 available to each household.

 

“There is also a Major Assistance Payment, where applicants must meet incomes tests, designed to help those affected by an emergency to re-establish their homes. Eligible claims include alternative accommodation, removal of debris, essential repairs, demolition and rebuilding and essential household items,” he said. 

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan has also confirmed flood-affected businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations will now be able to access up to $25,000 for clean-up and recovery grants while 14 flood-affected local government areas (LGAs) will have access to low-interest concessional loans of up to $200,000, Mr Weller said.

 

For other practical aspects of the flood recovery process, including sandbag disposal, septic tanks inquiries and avoiding mosquito bites contact the Moira Shire on (03) 5871 9222. 

 

An elderly Rochester couple will continue to receive the Municipality Rates Concession until the end of the 2012-13 financial year following a common-sense ruling from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge.

The elderly couple was forced to move out of home following last January’s extreme flood event in Rochester and as a consequence was unable to continue to access an entitlement to the Municipal Rates Concession.

 

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller announced the Government’s ruling to allow the couple to once again gain access to the Concession as a compassionate and common-sense decision. 

 

“The couple was denied the Concession as they no longer resided at their original address despite the fact that their home was uninhabitable as a result of the floods,” Mr Weller said.

 

“Despite efforts from the Shire of Campaspe to reduce rates and charges for the couple it was unable to apply the Concession as this was outside the Department of Human Services guidelines,” he said.

 

Mr Weller said the efforts of the Rochester and Elmore District Health Service’s (REDHS) Flood Recovery Officer and the Shire of Campaspe to help the couple in its predicament should be commended.

Mr Weller wrote to the Minister for Community Services on behalf of the Shire of Campaspe and REDHS to bring to her attention the situation facing the elderly couple.

 

“This decision is a great example of the Government helping community members with real issues and it’s a great result for everyone,” Mr Weller said.

 

The elderly couple, aged 91 and 85 respectively, is still living away from home and is yet to raise the funds to either repair or demolish the house.

 

“Many residents in the Rochester area are still doing it tough since last year’s floods and it is heartening for many to see this positive outcome,” he said.

Nationals Member for Rodney, Paul Weller this week encouraged members of his electorate to “shop around” for flood insurance and wanted to make clear that “there are options available for competitive flood insurance”. 

“Some companies offer you to opt in or out when it comes to flood insurance for your home or property and there are competitive options available – you just need to shop around,” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller’s comments come on the back of recent meetings at Parliament House with insurance companies and National Party members.

Following last year’s Natural Disaster Insurance Review, the Federal Government proposed mandatory flood insurance with every home insurance policy, but with home owners given the choice to opt out if they do not wish to be covered for floods.

“This review also recommended a standard definition of a flood, something that caused much confusion for many people in my electorate, both during and following last year’s floods,” Mr Weller said.

The definition states a flood is the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any lake or any river, creek or other natural water course, whether or not it has been altered or modified, or from any reservoir, canal or dam.

“It is hoped that this standard definition will remove the confusing debate about riverine flooding versus flash flooding, which has caused grief and confusion for many people, often with neighbours being treated differently by their individual insurance companies,” he said.

Following discussions with insurance companies it appears some still use the one in 100 year flood event rule-of-thumb or have premiums based on post codes or individual risk assessments.

Furthermore, some companies have an ‘opt out’ clause for flood coverage while for others it is a compulsory component of their insurance coverage.

“In terms of opting out, some companies will require the ticking of box to opt out, so it is clear that you have made that choice.”

“It is important to read all the fine print of your insurance policy and I suggest a number of quotes, in writing, so that you can compare and can see the difference,” Mr Weller said.

 

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced funding for the Rochester Historical Pioneer Society (RHPS) for clean-up works following the January 2011 flood event.

 

The not-for-profit organisation applied and received the grant from Rural Finance Victoria and was also given an exemption on the GST component of the funds with the support of the Treasurer of Victoria.

 

Mr Weller said the $13 000 grant has been used for clean-up and restoration work, including the installation of steel shelving in the RHPS building and restoration of the display area that had to be completely refurbished.

 

“Many areas of the community are still counting the cost of last year’s floods and any financial support to restore and improve infrastructure for the future is always welcome,” Mr Weller said.

 

“The road to flood recovery has been a long and slow one for many in Rochester and other affected communities,” he said.

 

“With the 12 month anniversary of the historic flood event just passing it is heartening to know that many individuals and groups are getting back on their feet,” he said.

 

RHPS committee member John Foster said 90 per cent of the works had been completed and that the group was very grateful for the funding as well as the large number of volunteers that helped with the massive clean-up that took place following the flood.

 

Mr Foster said the grant has been vital for both the clean-up and restoration at the RHPS site and that all works undertaken had been done with a firm intention to prevent any major damage from flood water in the future.

The Victorian Coalition Government is standing by Victoria’s flood damaged communities to ensure they can get back to business and their lives as quickly as possible.

 

The Member for Rodney Paul Weller said that the Rochester community will receive more than $470,000 to help rebuild and repair public infrastructure after the torrential rain and flooding which took place in the early part of 2011.

 

Local projects to be funded in Rochester include:

 

- $424,288 to the Campaspe Shire to replace internal roads and kerbing, replace ablution blocks and reinstate services at the Rochester Caravan and Camping Park Reserve

- $46,475 to the Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management to repairs to the Rochester Recreation Reserve

 

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the $15.4 million funding package, which will be shared by around 28 local communities across Victoria, is part of the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund run jointly with Regional Development Victoria.

 

 “This funding is going directly toward re-building vital community assets so that our flood-affected communities can again enjoy their recreation spots and public meeting areas,” he said.

 

The Minister said the Coalition Government is proud of the resilience of flood-affected Victorians and is delighted to be able to assist them with this funding support.

 

Mr Weller concurred with the Minister’s comments.

 

 “I have been humbled to work with many flood-affected families and organisations in the Rochester area throughout the past twelve months and I have been consistently heartened by their spirit and resolve to get things back on track.

 

“The projects to receive funding are a testament to the hard work and coordinated efforts of the community organisations, residents and volunteers who are working closely with state and local government  to identify and coordinate local recovery projects,” he said.

 

Mr Weller thanked the many volunteers who continue to rebuild Rochester and he expressed particular thanks to the Committees of Management for the role they play in identifying and  implementing projects.

Flood-damaged Rochester will be given a welcome facelift thanks to Victorian Coalition Government funding today announced by the Nationals Member for Rodney Paul Weller.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Mr Weller said the town’s Municipal Precinct would be repaired to its former glory under the Rochester Municipal Flood Recovery Re-establishment Project.

“The Rochester Municipal Precinct buildings, including the Shire Hall, Library and Service Centre and former chamber were so badly damaged in the January floods that they had to be abandoned,” Mr Weller said.

“As a consequence, the Rochester community has been without important community assets for several months.

“The Coalition Government is pleased to be able to provide $506,878 funding to re-establish the Rochester Municipal Precinct as an important community hub for the town and district.”

The Rochester Municipal Flood Recovery Re-establishment Project involves works to the following buildings:

• Shire Hall - Demolishing and rebuilding the Shire Hall kitchen and toilet, improving access to the building and upgrading the fire system;
• Library and Service Centre - demolition works, installation of fire systems, reconfiguration of the toilets, painting and flooring, and building ramps; and
• Former Chamber – demolition works, installation of new fire systems, demolition of toilets and building new walls and passages, painting and flooring.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said Coalition Government funding for the projects was being provided to the Campaspe Shire Council through the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund jointly administered by Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

“The Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund is supporting councils and community groups to restore flood-affected local assets," Mr Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to improving local infrastructure and services, creating jobs and boosting business opportunities throughout regional Victoria.”

All the works are scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2012.

A further eight community projects in the Rodney electorate have been allocated funding under the Victorian Coalition Government’s Floods Community Recovery Fund.

Member for Rodney Paul Weller today announced more than $50,000 in funding for eight separate projects in Rochester.

Mr Weller said these were in addition to three projects announced for Rochester a fortnight ago which included funding to lay a new flood resistant walking path along the Campaspe Walking Trail and to replace essential equipment at the Rochester Tigers Cricket Club and Rochester Table Tennis Club.

The eight new projects to be allocated funding include:

• $10,000 to produce a monthly newsletter with direct communication from all support agencies to community members in Rochester & surrounding district
• $5000 to repair the concrete path that allows foot traffic in and out of the Rochester Uniting Church
• $7500 to restore toilet facilities at the Rochester Scout Hall
• $5000 to collate and collect the memories of people flood affected in the 2010-11 floods then produce a DVD for each household in the region (1500 copies)
• $5000 to replace fittings and equipment at Campaspe Valley Community Centre
• $10,000 to hold a function allowing volunteers to come together and recognise and celebrate their achievements and reflect on the past months.
• $5000 to support the upcoming bi-yearly arts festival in Rochester which this year will have a strong flood-related theme; and
• $3000 to conduct a bus trip for children and their families to attend the Kids Day Out event in Bendigo.

Mr Weller said since the establishment of the Floods Community Recovery Fund, more than $2.6 million had been used to support over 200 flood recovery projects state-wide.

He said the $4 million fund, to which the State and Commonwealth governments each contributed $2 million, supplemented other available funding.

“This important program provides further financial support to help flood-affected communities like Rochester get back on their feet.

“The projects to receive funding are a testament to the hard work and coordinated efforts of local councils, community organisations and residents who are working closely with state government regional offices to identify and coordinate local recovery projects.”

For more information about floods funding, please visit the Department of Human Services website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/floods.

Three sporting and community projects in Rochester will benefit from the latest round of funding under the $4 million Floods Community Recovery Fund, Member for Rodney Paul Weller announced today.

The Campaspe Walking Trail which was damaged in the 2010/2011 flood events will be upgraded with a new flood-resistant walking path thanks to a $3500 grant.

The Rochester Table Tennis Club has received $5000 to replace essential equipment such as tables, bats and ping pong balls, and the Rochester Tigers Cricket Club has been allocated $1925 to replace a range of essential playing equipment including guards, pads, gloves, bats, balls and helmets.

Mr Weller received the funding commitment in State Parliament last night from the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty.

During the adjournment debate, he asked the Minister for an update on the Floods Community Recovery Fund and whether any flood-affected communities in the Rodney electorate could expect to share in the latest round of funding for sporting groups and facilities.

“I am delighted to report that the Minister has confirmed funding for three important flood recovery projects in Rochester,” Mr Weller said.

“I have no doubt the money will be received with open arms and will make a meaningful difference to many people in the Rochester community who have been so devastatingly affected by the floods.”

Mr Weller said the $4 million Floods Community Recovery Fund, to which the State and Commonwealth governments each contributed $2 million, supplemented other available funding and provided further financial support to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet.

He said the Victorian Coalition Government had been working closely with local councils, stakeholders and community groups to identify recovery projects and to ensure the funding brought about the best local outcomes in the aftermath of the floods.

Since the Floods Community Recovery fund was established, more than $2.6 million has been distributed to 25 councils and 118 community organisations, supporting the delivery of more than 200 flood recovery projects.