Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced more than $1.4 million in funding for councils to help prepare and protect the local communities for emergency events. Funded as part of the Labor Governments Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, $4.6 million will be provided yearly to 64 councils 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 a 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. Mitchell Shire has been allocated $60 000 from the funds. Funding under the Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program reflects the Victorian Governments commitment to helping local councils strengthen their emergency management capacity and capability, particularly in rural, regional and periurban 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 Andrews Labor Government understands that communities in country and periurban areas face their own unique challenges. This Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is just another way we are assisting local residents in these areas.