North-East Victoria and southern NSW councils impacted by the summer bushfires can tap into a $650 million federal government funding package announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday.
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The Alpine and Towong shires experienced the worst of the fires in the border area with $45 and $36 million in economic loss respectively.
Priority projects will be compiled in conjunction with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and state and local governments.
The $650 million package also include $15 million to assist the forestry industry with the increased costs of transporting burned salvaged logs over longer distances and $13.5 million for community well-being and participation initiatives.
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There is also $149.7 million for bushfire recovery related to habitat regeneration, waterway and catchment restoration and $27.1 million for strengthening telecommunications capabilities before the next bushfire season including the provision of 2000 satellite phones to rural fire depots and evacuation centres.
"During the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, the economic impact to the agriculture, tourism and forestry industries in the North-East was widespread," Victorian Senator Jane Hume said.
"Strong economic recovery in the North East will enable families and businesses to get back on their feet sooner and rebuild their lives after the devastating fires."
Projects in the North-East which could be in line for funding include the Tawonga Caravan Park, Mount Beauty airport, Man From Snowy River Bush Festival, Upper Murray Events Centre, Colac Colac Caravan Park and Corryong Hospital water supply upgrades.
Towong mayor David Wortmann said it was important the bushfires hadn't dropped off the federal government's radar.
"Businesses really need support after the bushfires and then COVID-19," he said.
"But from a council point of view the bushfire recovery centre at the old primary school in Corryong can do with some added attention.
"We need a substantial amount of money to do the next stage to be fit for purpose so all the agencies can get in there and have the one-on-one meetings with people in a confidential setting."
Senator Bridget McKenzie said: "Strong economic recovery in the Upper Murray and right across Indi and the North-East will enable families and businesses to get back on their feet sooner and rebuild their lives after the devastation they so courageously survived."
