Rebuilding continues after the 2009 Victorian bushfires
A recent survey by the Victorian Coalition Government shows that a large majority of people who lost their principal (owner-occupied) place of residence during the 2009 bushfires have now moved into permanent accommodation, Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan announced today.
"The objective of this comprehensive survey was to determine the progress of each household displaced by the fires," Mr Ryan said.
"The 2012 survey shows that 87 per cent of households that lost their principal place of residence have rebuilt, purchased a new property or are in the process of rebuilding. This is up 10 per cent from 2011.
"Importantly, the number of people who had actually completed rebuilding their destroyed home had almost doubled since the 2011 survey."
Mr Ryan said Australia's worst natural disaster resulted in the wide-spread destruction of residential properties in many Victorian communities, displacing many people.
"While much progress has been made since the fires, the latest survey shows that 13 per cent of people who lost their principal place of residence were still working through arrangements to secure long term accommodation," Mr Ryan said.
"The Coalition Government's Rebuilding Advisory Service continues to be available to support people to rebuild. The Victorian Bushfire Appeals Fund (VBAF), Housing Assistance Gift and the Bushfire Buy-Back scheme will also assist people to achieve permanent accommodation as the programs continue to be implemented.
"Co-ordinated and targeted assistance will also continue to be available through the Fire Recovery Unit."
The Fire Recovery Housing Survey 2012 report is available at www.rdv.vic.gov.au/fire-recovery-unit.
For any assistance on bushfire recovery and rebuilding, contact the Fire Recovery Unit on 1800 055 714 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
