The $2 million Connecting Communities to Builders program will see homeowners granted streamlined links to local plumbers, electricians and builders in a bid to speed up recovery efforts.

It comes almost a year after rising flood waters swamped homes and businesses from Melbourne to the banks of the Murray River. 

Under the initiative, the state government has only enlisted fully registered and accredited tradespeople from Master Builders Victoria, Master Plumbers Victoria and the Housing Industry Association.  

Master Builders Victoria will use $180,000 to help ensure residents can access reliable tradespeople in a more timely manner. 

People and Member Services Executive Director Giovanni Abelardo says the funding would ensure much-needed recovery work would be carried out efficiently.

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

 “This program is an important way for these communities to tap into the services on offer from the reliable and professional Master Builders Victoria members.”

 Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly says the funding partnership would mean residents in need would receive targeted support.

“The long-term impacts of last year’s floods are ongoing and the path to recovery has been a long one,” Mr Daly says.

“At Master Plumbers we want to ensure that these residents, particularly in the hardest hit regions along the Murray River, can access quality local professionals.

“It also guarantees a pipeline of work for our members who have been working tirelessly to assist in times of need.”

The damage from spring floods was widespread after river systems broke their banks and floodwaters inundated communities and townships.

 In all, 63 of the state’s 79 local government areas, were impacted.

 Almost a year later, some residents in the hardest-hit region of Rochester are yet to return to their homes.

More than 3000 residents were displaced when hundreds of homes and businesses were inundated by the rising tide in the town, about 200 kilometres north of Melbourne.

Funding has also been provided to the five most impacted councils including Campaspe, Greater Shepparton and Mitchell shire councils, Maribyrnong City and Mount Alexander councils.

It will help provide council planning departments with extra capacity to deal with the increase in planning and building enquiries and permit applications.

The Department has also teamed up with Emergency Recovery Victoria to help deliver the program to homeowners impacted by the floods.

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

 Any homeowner impacted by the floods is eligible and can register and submit a request and will then be emailed a list of approved builders and tradespeople in their area willing and able to take on work.

 The applicant will then deal directly with the builder or tradesperson of their choosing.

To register for support or to find out more search “Connecting Community to Builders” at www.planning.vic.gov.au