Bass Coast Shire Council has pledged $25,000 to support Victorian flood-affected communities with the recovery process.

Bass Coast Mayor, Veronica Dowman, said the money would go to the Municipal Association Victoria Local Government Emergency Recovery fund.

“The money raised through this appeal goes directly to other Victorian councils in need,” said Cr Dowman.

“It will help to rebuild assets such as roads and community buildings.”

Cr Dowman said the offer of in-kind assistance to affected councils still stands.

“Our staff have already lent a hand in Charlton and Donald, two of the towns most affected by the Victorian flood crisis.

“They worked night shifts at recovery centres giving staff up there a much needed break.

“We expect more emergency management and environmental health staff will be needed.”

The region affected by the flood is home to some of the smallest shires in the state with a very low rate base.

“This means that these councils often do not have the funds or staff available to recover from the emergency, as well as continue to run the municipality and offer much needed services,” continued Cr Dowman.

“I’m also very proud of groups and individuals within Bass Coast who have donated so generously both their time and money to help the flood relief appeals.”

The response to the flood crisis echoes that made during the tragic bushfires of 2009, when Bass Coast Shire Council donated $1 per resident of the Shire, totalling $28,000, to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.