The Andrews Labor Government today announced $340,000 additional assistance for the Scotsburn and Barnawartha communities affected by fires on 19 and 20 December.
Support will be provided for local recovery initiatives following fires that destroyed houses, livestock, farming infrastructure and equipment.
A $100,000 fund will be set up to support recovery initiatives across the Barnawartha and Scotsburn communities. Local recovery committees will make recommendations on the best use of these funds.
Indigo Shire Council will also receive $60,000 in funding for a Community Recovery Coordinator to support community recovery.
Assistance provided for demolition and clean-up of properties in Wye River and Separation Creek will be extended to include fire affected properties in Barnawartha and Indigo Valley.
Clean up costs for properties and roads will be shared between insurers and by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
The assistance announced today is in addition to support already being provided under NDRRA, announced on 21 December.
Further information will be available on the Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria website .
Quotes attributable to the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, Ben Carroll
"The Andrews Labor Government will support the Barnawartha community every step of the way as they rebuild and clean-up after the recent fires."
"We will work in close partnership with all governments, insurers and businesses to help the local community get back on its feet."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes
“Fires have a profound impact on communities but also bring out their strength and resilience – this is what I saw when I visited the Indigo Valley the day after the fire. “
“Ongoing support for the affected communities is important as recovery can take some time and this package will ensure the community gets more of the help it needs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020