Grass fires rage across southern Manitoba, destroying buildings, businesses
STATE BUDGET: Funds for bushfire-prone communities
01 May 2012
published by http://origin.berwick-leader.whereilive.com.au
Australia — THE State Budget has allocated $33 million to implement recommendations from the Bushfires Royal Commission.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan said $20.6 million had been allocated to implement the second phase of the Coalitions bushfire Buy-back scheme, which provides an alternative to eligible landholders impacted by the 2009 bushfires.
The Government also announced $2 million for the development of community fire refuges.
The refuges will be developed where they are no suitable Neighbourhood Safer Places.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said the refuges would be places that offered short-term shelter from the immediate life-threatening effects of a bushfire.
The Yarra Ranges has been chosen as one of only two locations in Victoria to take part in a community fire refuge pilot program.
The 2012-13 Budget includes $10.4 million over four years to provide for the Vulnerable People in Emergencies Program.
The government also announced an additional $35.1 million to scale-up the planned burning program to 250,000 hectares in 2012-13 to help reduce the risk of bushfires to communities.
More than $20 million was also allocated to build and upgrade rural fire stations with an additional $12.3 million for fleet infrastructure upgrades.
