Support keeps flowing after bushfires

THE state and federal governments are continuing to support people affected by the fires that swept through south-west Victoria last week.

The state government will extend its support for fire affected farming communities in south-west Victoria with additional mental health support and livestock fodder.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced the extra support for those eligible in fire-affected areas last week.

In partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation, the state government will fund $300,000 towards a fodder drive, where critical feed will be provided for affected farmers to address essential fodder needs.

The state government also announced $100,000 for the ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program to extend mental health support for farming communities.

Farmers who need to relocate stock after last weekend’s fires are encouraged to contact the office of Member for Western Victoria James Purcell, as more than 15 locals have offered agistment.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Cobden along with Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson and met with firefighters.

There are also local efforts to help out, with Linda Neale organising a collection of toiletries for those affected by the fires.

Ms Neale, who works at Mecwacare Elstoft House and is also secretary of the Torquay Rotary Club, said the appeal was similar to one she organised last year for farmers in the Loddon region.

“The response within three days has been amazing. I am so proud of my staff and the way they have wanted to support this cause.

“Will you please help and see how many shoeboxes we can fill?”

Items can be dropped to LET Surfcoast, 5/15 Bell Street, Torquay.

Financial support has already been announced for affected individuals in the Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Moyne and Southern Grampians local government areas through the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

This includes:

• Personal Hardship Assistance Payments – to help meet immediate needs with payments of up to $540 per adult and $270 per child (up to a maximum of $1,890 per household), including emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items, and
• Emergency Re-establishment Assistance – up to $40,700 per eligible household affected by fire at their primary place of residence. The grants are available for eligible clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (principal residence), and replacing some damaged contents.