Speeding up flood recovery: New program links homeowners to trusted tradespeople

By Faith Macale

Oct 6, 2023

Here to help: The state government is partnering with Master Builders Victoria to speed up flood recovery efforts. Photo: Wayne Herring.

Local residents devastated by the 2022 floods will now have better access to reliable tradies through a Master Builders Victoria and state government partnership.

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The Connecting Communities to Builders program will see homeowners granted streamlined links to local plumbers, electricians and builders to speed up recovery efforts.

The government has enlisted accredited tradespeople registered with Master Builders Victoria and other associations.

According to People and Member Services executive director Giovanni Abelardo, the $2 million funding would ensure much-needed recovery would be done efficiently.

“We know the impact floods had on thousands of people; many were forced out of their homes or have had to contend with property damages and poor services ever since,” Mr Abelardo said.

Funding has also been provided to the five most impacted councils, including Greater Shepparton and Mitchell Shire.

The program is for any homeowner who was impacted by flooding.

Community members can register and submit a request. They will then be emailed a list of approved registered builders and tradespeople in their area.

The Connecting Communities to Builders program will run until June 30, 2025 via the Department of Transport and Planning.

For more information, search Connecting Community to Builders at www.planning.vic.gov.au

By Faith Macale

Cadet journalist