“Over the weekend I asked the premier to make a formal request for ADF assistance from the Commonwealth Government to help with the massive clean-up and recovery effort ahead,” Ms Ryan said.
“While official channels have taken longer than many of us would have liked, it’s great to finally see action and troops on the ground across our region.
“We’ve also seen the Victorian Government waive the landfill levy to ensure damaged property can be disposed of safely and quickly, without any financial barrier. This is a crucial step before further rain this week.”
Ms Ryan said significant and urgent investment was also needed to repair highways, arterial roads and council roads.
“It’s been great to see work occurring over the last few days, but we need further investment to patch up potholes and rebuild roads to reconnect communities as quickly as possible,” she said.
Ms Ryan said the declaration of a natural disaster to support individuals and businesses dealing with the devastating flood impacts still needed to occur.
“A natural disaster declaration from the Victorian Government will provide the maximum available support to businesses and individuals at both a state and federal level,” she said.
“I’ve spoken to so many inundated businesses who are uninsured, not through lack of trying, but because they simply can’t get insurance.
“Funding up to $42,250 is now available to uninsured properties to assist with the recovery and clean-up process, but it’s still going to be a long road ahead for many.”
Nationals candidate for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland reiterated the importance of significant investment in the road network.
“We have road closures all across the region with several bridges and major roads washed away,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The shocking state of the GV Hwy and Hume Hwy is causing serious damage to vehicles and has resulted in some car accidents.
“There are many arterial roads washed away with pothole craters and eroded bitumen making it unsafe to drive on.
“Making roads safe and reopening them as soon as possible is crucial to our recovery effort.”
Ms Cleeland praised the incredible work of emergency service teams and the community.
“We are all forever indebted to our amazing SES volunteers and emergency service workers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe,” she said.
“The community spirit is awe-inspiring. From the donations of sand to fill sandbags, to the physical labour of helping one another, our community is incredibly resilient and caring of each other.
“In some areas the threat hasn’t passed, so please keep up to date with Vic Emergency information and check in on one another.
“The last few days has reminded us that difficult times bring us together.”
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