MADRA July 2022 News
Our AGM is fast approaching
Here’s an update on what’s been occupying MADRA for the last few weeks. Although we are approaching the August AGM, and the end of the term for the second Committee, the work we do continues from week to week – as does the ongoing need for MADRA in the recovery and resilience of our District.
MADRA has provided a crucial voice in what happens to us individually and as a community during bushfire recovery. This community voice will continue to be vital to us having a say in what it’s like to live here, in this environment, in the coming years.
We encourage any members with an interest in the ongoing work of MADRA to be part of the new committee. Get in touch with us for more information on what’s involved and come along to the AGM on 16 August! (Details to follow soon.)
Housing
Housing remains the most pressing issue in the recovery of our town.
The delays at all stages of rebuilding coupled with the rising costs of materials are causing ongoing hardship and stress for all those still in the process of rebuilding. MADRA has been advocating for assistance at all levels of government, but the problems have been compounded by the ongoing national disaster relief.
MADRA is closely following the progress of the recently announced Social and Affordable Housing Project for Mallacoota. Homes Victoria is currently looking at available land and is in the process of negotiation for at least one property. If anyone knows of vacant land that may be available for this project please get in touch.
We have also been seeking changes to State Planning regulations that would allow more scope for rental tenants whose homes were destroyed in the fires to have access to temporary modular housing. Currently, modular homes are only available on a vacant block where the owner is intending to rebuild and this has unfairly left residents who were renting a house which was destroyed in the fires with very limited access to finding a home in Mallacoota.
We’re also seeking an extension to the nominal Recovery period beyond two years as it is painfully obvious that the issues we face in rebuilding, re-housing and recovery will continue beyond the initial two-year period.
Insurance
Recent issues have prompted MADRA to encourage members of the community to review their home and building insurance policies, with particular reference to looking at replacement value vs rebuilding value.
Rate waiver from the Shire
Good news from the Shire on an extension of rate waivers for a further two years. From the EGSC press release:
Recognising the ongoing impact on property owners affected by the Black Summer 2019/20 bushfires that have yet to rebuild, Council has extended the rate waivers to those that lost the main dwelling on the property, and have yet to rebuild, for a further period of two financial years being FY2022/23 and FY 2023/2024. This is reflected in the budget for 2022/23.
Also, as a reminder, fees for any planning applications associated with bushfire rebuilding are also continuing to be waived, in addition to support through the Rebuilding Support Service to prepare and lodge planning applications for rebuilding.
GIVIT
Givit is an organisation which connects donors and community organisations to make sure people and communities get exactly what they need when they need it.
Once donation offers have been listed on GIVIT’s website, registered charity and support organisations are able to view the offer and reserve it on behalf of the people they support.
MADRA is one of these organisations and anyone who has been affected by the bushfires and needs assistance by replacing lost tools, water tanks, etc, can contact us by emailing: madra.3892@gmail.com
Update of LIMP plans
The Shire is in the process of updating the Local Incident Management Plans (LIMPs) for East Gippsland communities as part of an ongoing review of Emergency Management. The LIMP is a concise guide to what to do and what to expect in an emergency. Shane Turner from EGSC presented the updated LIMP for Mallacoota to us at a recent committee meeting and is seeking feedback from the wider community; groups or individuals. If you’re interested in being involved please get in contact with MADRA.
New-look MADRA website
A new, updated site has been developed by Maggie Langdon and Bryce Watts Parker (with funding and training from BRV) and it will soon replace our current one, while keeping the same website address. It will be a user-friendly resource with links to MADRA news, our Recovery Plan and other documents, the history of MADRA so far, and information about current projects. The website will also allow for engagement with MADRA members on upcoming issues. Watch this space! https://ourrecovery.com.au
Other news
Another Connect and Share dinner will be held on the 21st of July – details to follow.
The next Fuel Management Group meeting is scheduled for early August.
MADRA’s Recovery Plan is in the final stages of being updated and the revised version will be available shortly. Jenny Lloyd has been working with Martin Butterfield to incorporate the latest Census data. Many thanks to Martin and Jenny for their time, effort and expertise.