EMERGENCY MANAGEMANT FUNDS Central Goldfields Shire and their partner shire Loddon are set to receive $120,000 in funding to help prepare and protect the local community for emergency events. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced more than $1.4 million in funding to 16 councils. Funded as part of the State Governments Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, $4.6 million will be provided yearly to 64 councils located within Country Fire Authority (CFA) districts. Ms. Symes said Northern Victoria councils were a key partner in emergency planning and management, with extensive local knowledge and key connection to the local community. Councils can be funded individually or in groups, with support ensuring councils are able to adequately prepare for future emergency events and help their communities to become more resilient. Funding under the Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program reflects the State Governments commitment to helping local councils strengthen their emergency management capacity and capability, particularly in rural, regional and pre-urban areas. With a wealth of local knowledge and strong links to their communities, this funding will support local councils in my Electorate to continue their integral role in managing emergency situations, Ms. Symes said. The State Government understands that communities in country and preurban areas face their own unique challenges. This Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is just another way we are assisting local residents in these areas, she said.