- Published:
- Monday 6 January 2020
A new permanent dedicated agency will work directly with local communities impacted by our state’s devastating bushfires, as we begin the long process of rebuilding and recovery.
The new Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) will be wholly focused on the needs of Victorian communities, working closely with locals to ensure that rehabilitation projects are both locally-driven and locally-delivered.
Recognising the lengthy process of recovery – in addition to the increased risk our state faces due to longer and hotter bushfire seasons – the work of BRV will be permanent and ongoing. That includes a commitment to supporting any Victorian communities impacted by future bushfires.
The critical work of BRV will begin straight away, even as our emergency services continue to battle bushfires in our state’s north and east.
This effort will extend across a range of priorities from the immediate clean-up and ensuring the health and wellbeing of residents and farmers, to longer-term work to help local communities and local economies, like the agricultural and tourism sectors, get back on their feet.
In line with this commitment, Community Recovery Committees will be established to ensure locals have a voice throughout this process, while local jobs and expertise will be prioritised wherever possible.
The agency will also be responsible for advising the Victorian Government on the coordination of efforts and the development of an overarching plan for the restoration and recovery of communities across our state.
Bringing a wealth of experience, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay will serve as BRV’s Chair, with Lee Miezis, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, offering extensive knowledge on fire and emergency management including the recovery at Wye River, to serve as CEO.
The new agency will sit within the Department of Premier and Cabinet to ensure whole-of-government coordination, and report directly to the Premier.
Further updates regarding the work of Bushfire Recovery Victoria will be available at www.vic.gov.au/brv.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Recovery is not as simple as rebuilding infrastructure. It’s something that can take us not just months, but years.”
“The work of Bushfire Recovery Victoria will focus on the most pressing priorities – but just as importantly, make sure we’re there for the long haul.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
“Nobody understands the needs of local communities better than local people. It’s why it’s vital the work of this new agency has local voices at its core.”
“With an agency wholly dedicated to local reconstruction and recovery, we’ll make sure we’re with bushfire impacted communities every step of the way.”