Disaster Assistance Grants Available For Flood Affected Southern Grampians

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today announced the activation of disaster assistance in response to recent floods that are affecting parts of Victoria.

Minister Keenan said assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister Merlino said Emergency Re-establishment grants are now being made available in addition to the Emergency Relief Assistance grants.

Information regarding disaster assistance available can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and on the Vic Emergency website at www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.

Individuals in the local government area of Southern Grampians can now access the following emergency grants to relieve personal hardship and distress:

• Emergency Relief Assistance, which provides payments of up to $520 per adult and $260 per child (up to a maximum of $1,300 per household) are available to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items.
• Emergency Re-establishment Payments, which provides payment of up to $32,500 per eligible household experiencing financial hardship, who have been flood affected at their primary place of residence. The grants are available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.

Quotes attributable to Commonwealth Minister for Justice, The Hon Michael Keenan:

“This activation of assistance demonstrates the commitment of the Australian and Victorian Governments to support disaster affected communities.”

"Our Governments work 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, The Hon James Merlino:

“These grants provide assistance to people whose homes have been flood damaged so that they can clean-up their properties and replace damaged contents.”

“We are closely monitoring the flood situation and will make assistance available to other areas if required.”

“Anyone who has been affected by the flooding should call the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232 for help.”