Kinglake residents devastated by the Black Saturday bushfires have received the first of a dozen portable bathroom laundry units to help people living in temporary accommodation.

The units are part of a North Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT) initiative to aid bushfire redevelopment, and follow a number of projects that are starting to take shape in the area.

The 2.5m2 units feature a shower, vanity unit, toilet, mirror, window and door and are fully fitted with a hot water tank. They also have a small veranda for a washing machine and a sturdy structure so they can be easily transported by cranes.

NMIT teacher Bruce Smith, who worked on the initiative, told Architecture & Design the units are a combined effort of several TAFE departments to help the community and deliver first-hand fire-proofing experience to students.

Costing up to $10,000 per unit, the TAFE expects to construct 12 portable units throughout the year, depending on access to materials and funding.

“Although we have had great support from local businesses, we desperately need support to make this happen,” he said.

Rebuilding initiatives will be helped with $47 million of redevelopment funding to be allocated in Victoria’s State budget later today.

Three schools in the Kinglake and Marysville area that were destroyed in the bushfires will be rebuilt under the plan.

Strathewen Primary School Principal Jane Howard said the commitment will be reassuring for parents.

“It’s nice to know the money is there and things will move ahead,” she said.