The Allan Labor Government is supporting the storm-affected community of Mirboo North to return the magic of the town and prepare for any future emergencies.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced a $200,000 grant to enable South Gippsland Shire Council to establish a Mirboo North Community and Business Resilience Hub.
The Hub will ensure locals can access emergency food supplies, charge medical devices, and communicate with loved ones in storms, bushfires and other severe events.
A local working group will support Council to drive the project and select the best central location to install off-grid solar panels, a satellite link, and emergency cold storage.
The funding will also enable the town’s annual and highly popular Mirboo North Winterfest to proceed later this year – as a way to boost local business and unite the community in the recovery phase ahead.
The small Gippsland town of 1700 residents was severely impacted by storms on February 13, causing significant loss of natural beauty through fallen and damaged trees and a tragic loss of life. Homes were damaged and the community was without access to safe water, phones and internet for an extended period.
Regional Development Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria are working with the local community and Council to identify immediate priorities. Clean-up works are underway, following the appointment of a lead contractor.
This funding is a special allocation from the Government’s Tiny Towns Fund and builds on the support being provided by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments – including Victoria’s personal hardship assistance payments of up to $2,240 per eligible family.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“The Mirboo North community is very effective at rallying together in a crisis, with a strong volunteer network.”
“This support will help kickstart the local economy through Winterfest and ensure residents can feel confident they are fully prepared if anything like this happens again.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“As the Mirboo North community rebuilds, this funding will allow residents to drive their own recovery efforts, ensuring that local needs are prioritised and addressed by those who know them best.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"The Mirboo North Community Business and Resilience Hub will provide support for our storm-affected community, serving as the focal point of the town's repair efforts for damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure.”
