Governments commit extra $160m to January bushfire recovery

AN additional $160 million has been committed to support communities recovering from the January bushfires, with the Federal and Victorian governments expanding clean-up, mental health, business and environmental recovery programs across the state.

The latest funding package brings total bushfire relief and recovery support announced to date to more than $370 million and applies to 25 local government areas, including Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Greater Bendigo.

A major component is $112 million to expand the state-coordinated clean-up program for homes, businesses and community assets. The program will be available to uninsured and underinsured residential properties, including sheds and garages, as well as affected businesses and community facilities such as sporting grounds and halls where costs are not covered by other programs. Registrations are open through Emergency Recovery Victoria.

A further $20 million will expand emergency recovery support, providing dedicated recovery workers to help people navigate government assistance, insurance and legal matters, and connect with health and wellbeing services.

Additional funding will also ensure temporary accommodation remains available for displaced residents while longer-term housing solutions are developed. More than $1.7 million will support bushfire-affected businesses through financial counselling and tailored recovery advice, while $16.1 million has been allocated for environmental recovery, including repairs to public land, waterways, roads and bridges.

The Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store, relied upon by more than 95 regional businesses to store produce including apples, pears, wine and seed potatoes, will receive a $500,000 boost to fast-track its rebuild.

Almost $1.4 million has been set aside for payments to businesses that were without electricity for seven days or more within a two-week period and rural households not connected to mains water will also be eligible for new recovery water tank rebates of up to $1500 to clean and decontaminate fire-affected tanks, roofs and gutters, including reimbursements for work already completed.

Mental health and wellbeing support will be strengthened with more than $6.9 million in new funding, including $2 million to support students in government schools impacted by the fires.

“The Federal Government is working hand in hand with the Victorian Government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the recovery response was being shaped by local needs. “This is a locally-led recovery, informed by what bushfire-affected Victorians need – and we’re backing them with the funding they need to recover,” she said.

“We’ll continue to stand with communities as they rebuild stronger.”