About us
About the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority |
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The 2009 Victorian bushfires were the worst in Australia's history. The fires devastated nearly 80 communities across the state, destroyed more than 2000 homes and damaged around 430,000 hectares of land. By the time the fires were contained, 173 people had lost their lives and many others were seriously injured. More than 3400 properties were destroyed or damaged. This included houses, businesses, sheds and other structures. More than 2000 homes were lost along with five schools and kindergartens and three sporting clubs. On 10 February 2009, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments established the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA) to oversee and coordinate the largest recovery and rebuilding program Victoria has ever faced. The Authority is working with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other government departments to help rebuild communities affected by the bushfires. Each affected community has different needs and the priority is to help regions, towns and individuals to rebuild and recover in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, cost effective and respectful of those different needs. The Authority’s Chair, Christine Nixon, held a series of community meetings to ensure she understands each community’s recovery and rebuilding needs. VBRRA is working with communities to develop local rebuilding plans to ensure each community’s economy, infrastructure and transport, environmental, and health and wellbeing requirements are met. The medium and long-term plans for each community have been formed and reflect a vision for the future. These community plans were fed into a state-wide plan which was released in October 2009. As the rebuilding process gains momentum, we will continue to consult and work with people to ensure they can move forward and rebuild their lives and townships. People affected by the bushfires are able to stay up to date with recovery and rebuilding updates through this website, a central telephone number 1800 240 667, a community newsletter and via SMS alerts. Find out more about the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority's Chair, Christine Nixon The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority is Mr Ben Hubbard. |