Council & Politics
18 September, 2025
Grampians cash bonanza
ENVIRONMENTAL recovery efforts in the Grampians National Park received a massive boost with an announcement of a joint Federal and State Government funding package to deliver the next stage of rehabilitating bushfire-affected areas.
The Albanese and Allan Governments announced a $36 million in joint-funding last week to support the restoration and regeneration of the park’s Aboriginal cultural heritage, environmental biodiversity and park infrastructure.
The funding is being provided under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and recovery works will be delivered by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and Parks Victoria.
A statement was sent to the Ararat Advocate announced the funding describing a wide range of projects the funding is intended to support, with a particular emphasis on Aboriginal sites.
“This package will support the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage through self-determined recovery, planning and implementation of remediation works and post- event heritage evaluation in consultation with Traditional Owner groups,” the statement said.
Bushfire affected campsites, walking trails, boardwalks and other visitor facilities will also get attention through the funded works, and money will also be spent supporting the recovery of native wildlife.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, was excited to announce the funding package on Saturday in a joint statement with Victorian Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery, Vicki Ward.
“There are a number of sites of Aboriginal cultural significance within the Grampians, and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that these sites are restored,” said Ms McBain.
“We’re also focused on helping local businesses get back on their feet by restoring walking trails, campsites and facilities so we can get more visitors back to this beautiful park.
“The December bushfires have left scars in one of Victoria’s most beloved areas and this funding will go to supporting both the land and its communities.”
The Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery echoed her colleague’s sentiments.
“This is a sacred part of Victoria that I visited just last month and I look forward to seeing how this funding will continue to bring the Grampians National Park back to life after the devastating bushfires last summer,” said Ms Ward.
"We know recovery can take years and we will always stand by the Grampians community every step of the way."