Commonwealth Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan, and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett, today announced that additional disaster assistance has been activated in response to the bushfires that affected Victoria in December 2014 and January 2015.
Mr Keenan said that the assistance was being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
NDRRA assistance is being made available to the bushfire affected councils of Ararat, Benalla, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Mildura, Moira, Southern Grampians, Strathbogie, Wangaratta, West Wimmera and Wodonga.
Mr Keenan said that this assistance was in addition to the emergency relief and re-establishment assistance previously announced by the Australian and Victorian governments.
Information regarding the disaster assistance available can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at and on the Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria website at .
Quotes attributable to Commonwealth Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan
“The Australian and Victorian governments are providing additional financial assistance to support local governments that have been affected by these bushfires.”
"The Australian and Victorian governments are committed to working together to ensure that disaster affected communities receive the necessary support to help them recover as soon as possible.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett
“Through the NDRRA, funding is being made available to assist with extraordinary disaster relief and recovery costs so that bushfire affected councils can undertake bushfire operations, clean-up activities and restore any damage to essential public assets.”
“Anyone who has been affected by the bushfires and is suffering personal hardship and distress should call the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232 to find out about the assistance that is available.”
“It is crucial as we head further into the bushfire season that all Victorians, especially those living in bushfire prone areas, are well prepared and have a bushfire plan.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020