A total of $650,000 has been allocated to East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to undertake waterway restoration on the Cann River.

The works will reduce sediment entering the Tamboon Inlet, stabilise the floodplain and prevent large scale river deepening and widening.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, visited Cann River today and said earlier this year the area experienced widespread flooding which caused significant damage and also impacted on areas of river health improvement works.

“The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s $5 million 2012 Flood Support Program providing additional support to regions that have experienced significant floods during 2012.

“The 12-18 month program will boost local employment opportunities and improve environmental conditions for tourism businesses following the damage caused by the floods.”

The program is funded through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“A healthy environment must be protected for future generations for social use and economic benefits. The 2012 Flood Support Program will support the delivery of projects that provide environmental, economic and social benefits to flood-affected communities,” said Mr Bull.

“The 2012 Flood Recovery Program will be overseen by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and delivered through Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs).”

East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA), Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Dear said, “the EGCMA thanks the Coalition Government for supporting its  proposal to finish the important flood restoration works on the Cann River.”

Across the state 15 projects have been funded through the Flood Support Program.