Relief funding announced as bushfire recovery begins

AN INITITAL $19.5 million support package has been announced for Victorians affected by recent bushfires, as communities continue to assess the damage caused by major fires across the state, including in the Otway Ranges.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited emergency services in central Victoria on Saturday to announce the package, which will be jointly funded by both governments.

Albanese said the funding was aimed at delivering immediate assistance to communities affected by the bushfires.

“The federal government is working hand in hand with the Victorian government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires,” he said.

The funding includes a $10 million emergency support program to help distribute fodder to farmers who have lost livestock, crops and other agricultural assets.

A further $1.5 million will be provided to coordinate emergency accommodation for people displaced by the fires who have sought shelter in hotels and other temporary accommodation.

To address the mental health impacts of the fires, $1 million will fund disaster recovery specialists to deliver group counselling sessions to affected communities.

 

 

A recovery support program will also be established, with $5 million allocated to provide a single point of assistance for people navigating recovery.

Case support workers will help with housing, legal and financial support, and access to payments and grants.

An additional $2 million will fund a recovery hotline, offering general information and assistance accessing recovery services, including emergency accommodation.

The package builds on the personal hardship assistance program, which has been activated for residents who evacuated and require immediate essentials such as food and medicine.

The program provides a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, capped at $2,380 per eligible family.

Allan acknowledged the scale of loss faced by communities and the long recovery process ahead following the bushfires.

“People heeded the warnings and acted to protect themselves and their loved ones – at great cost,” she said. “We’re standing with them on what will be a long path of recovery.

“From emergency accommodation to mental health help or fodder for livestock – we’re ensuring no one is left behind in this recovery effort.”

Further support may be announced in the coming weeks as bushfire impact assessments continue.

For more information, head to the VicEmergency website.