Surf Coast to receive disaster assistance after flash flooding

THE Surf Coast Shire will receive disaster assistance from the state and federal governments after flash flooding struck Lorne last week, forcing residents and visitors to evacuate.

The support will include funding for emergency relief centres, emergency accommodation, recovery operations and the repair of essential public assets damaged during the flooding.

Emergency relief centres were established last Thursday within hours of the storm, with more than 200 people seeking assistance at the Lorne centre, set up at Stribling Reserve, within the first two hours.

Residents forced to evacuate and in need of immediate essentials such as food and medication are eligible for personal hardship assistance.

A one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, capped at $2,380 per family, is available.

Emergency Recovery Victoria is working with the shire to assess damage and coordinate recovery as the clean-up effort continues.

The flooding came amid a period of extreme weather across Victoria, following widespread bushfires earlier in the month, including in the Otway Ranges.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the flash flooding added to pressure on communities already recovering from bushfires.

“Victorians have had a really tough time with devastating bushfires across the state, and just a week later [there’s] a significant storm and flood event in a densely populated tourist area causing more confronting scenes,” she said.

“Thankfully nobody was seriously injured, and all levels of government are working closely to provide support to those impacted.”

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said the storm developed quickly and forced evacuations across affected towns.

“We’re standing with flood–affected Victorians and making sure councils have the support they need after [last] Thursday’s severe storm and flash flooding in Wye River and Lorne,” she said.

“This was a fast–moving and dangerous weather event that forced people to leave their homes, holiday accommodation and businesses.

“I want to thank all of our emergency services who acted quickly to keep people safe.”