MOIRA Shire and the City of Greater Shepparton will receive $120,000 in a joint program to help councils prepare for emergencies. The funding is part of the State Governments $4.6m Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, provided yearly to 64 councils in CFA districts. Moira will use the money to fund and retain an emergency management coordinator, who will also work with Greater Shepparton. Municipal Association of Victoria President, Cr Bill McArthur said the funding was welcome news for councils. We have strongly advocated for the ongoing funding of this vital program and are pleased the government is committed to improving the capacity of councils to plan for the emergency management needs of their communities, he said. Unfortunately, we know the devastating effects that natural disasters can have on communities. This funding will give councils the opportunity to continue their positive work in ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for emergencies. MERP funding was introduced to help councils address the outcomes of the 2009 Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission. It is used to fund local emergency management staff and officers. The funding has also helped councils to engage in more strategic work, take on leadership roles, and improve the structure of emergency management within their council, Cr McArthur said. Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said northern Victorian councils were a key in emergency planning, with extensive local knowledge and a key connection to the local community. She said councils can be funded individually or in groups, so councils can prepare for future emergencies and help their communities to become more resilient. The Andrews Labor Government understands that communities in country and peri-urban areas face their own unique challenges. This Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is just another way we are assisting local residents in these areas.