MADRA News - Nov 2020
MADRA Update: Where Are We Now?
As the first anniversary of the bushfire approaches, it’s timely to take stock of what we we’ve achieved, and where we are heading. We are listening to your feedback – both positive and negative – and incorporating it in our ongoing recovery activities. COVID-19 has prevented us from meeting in large groups.
This has been incredibly frustrating as we have been unable to hold meetings, workshops and social gatherings to work through what recovery looks like for our community. In place of those gatherings, we’ve been meeting with smaller groups such as MDBTA, MDHSS, FOM and the Halls and Rec Committee. We are supporting Genoa committees as they work hard to get Genoa projects over the line. We are one of many groups working hard on recovery and there are some great ideas taking shape.
As a committee, we are a diverse bunch. Our networks are wide ranging. Each of us has been active in seeking thoughts on the recovery process within our sporting, volunteer, friendship and interest groups. Members of those groups don’t hold back when it comes to recovery priorities!
We regularly meet with Ministers and representatives from Bushfire Recovery Victoria, the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and EGSC. We are pushing them to work hard on our behalf and it’s fair to say MADRA is getting a reputation for persistence! We stress the need for some major wins soon.
Advocacy is a big part of our role and we been active on issues such as housing, emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure (such as roads, NBN, energy and connectivity black spots). We’ve provided numerous letters of support for community groups seeking funding and sought special consideration in cases which do not fit neatly within guidelines.
Other activities in the ‘right now’ category include:
Working with EGSC and Parks Victoria to influence the design and timing of replacement items such as lookouts, jetties and walking trails with the aim of better access, amenity and durability.
Fuel management planning and information including the Fuel Management webinar series.
Commemorating the first anniversary of the bushfires.
Managing media interest in our communities.
Finding a permanent home for the ADF memorial. The memorial will be placed on a granite plinth near the Main Wharf.
Community Recovery Committees, such as MADRA, have been asked to develop Community Recovery Plans. Our draft Plan is well underway. Chapter Three is available for your input this week.
Community endorsement of recovery proposals is a priority. Our plan is to display proposals in Mallacoota and Genoa. Committee members will be available for discussion. We will also develop electronic and hard copy surveys. We’ll keep you informed as plans firm up and COVID-19 restrictions ease.
We asked our three levels of government to work together to identify funding pathways for community endorsed projects and for assistance with grant writing. They committed to doing this. 2020 has been hard for our community. We lost a lot. Our recovery is about restoring the things we loved and improving on those we didn’t!
This is happening in so many ways already. We firmly believe we will emerge from disaster as a stronger, safer and more resilient community.
Thanks,
MADRA