Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford today announced the activation of a Community Recovery Fund and Recovery Grants for eligible primary producers directly affected by the November Storms in the Mildura region.
Minister Keenan said the Recovery Grants of up to $25,000, and a Community Recovery Fund of $120,000 were being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
“These grants are on top of the concessional loans already available and are being provided in recognition of the significant impact of the storms on our primary producers and the challenges they face through the recovery process,” Mr Keenan said.
“After assessing the impacts of the November Storm event the Commonwealth and State Governments have worked closely to ensure that additional assistance is provided to help the Mildura community get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
Minister Pulford said the Recovery Grants are being made available to eligible primary producers in the affected Mildura Rural City Council region.
“The impact of this storm event has been significant, with damage to the farming sector estimated to be between $77.6 million and $156.8 million,” Mr Pulford said.
“Today’s grant funding announcement will help cover the expenditure involved in clean-up and reinstatement, including for things such as salvaging crops, purchasing of fodder, repair or replacement of essential equipment and disposal of damaged goods.
“I encourage all Victorian primary producers affected by the November Storms to contact Rural Finance Victoria and determine their eligibility for a grant of up to $25,000.”
Mildura Rural City Council will also receive a $120,000 Community Recovery Fund, which will fund a dedicated Recovery Officer to work with the local community and wellbeing activities to support community recovery and resilience building.
To apply for a Recovery Grant, primary producers can contact Rural Finance Victoria on 1800 260 425 or online at .
Information regarding disaster assistance available can be found on the Vic Emergency website at or the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at
Media Contact:
Danielle McKay 0400 390 008 or Shannen Wilkinson 0476 820 816 (Minister Keenan)
Tom Whitty 0488 084 717 (Minister Pulford)
Reviewed 19 August 2020