Premier

Disaster Assistance For Bushfire Affected Communities In Victoria

13 October 2015

Commonwealth Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett today announced that disaster assistance has been activated in response to recent bushfires in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Surf Coast.

The jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) will offer the following emergency grants to eligible individuals and families suffering personal hardship and distress:

  • Emergency Relief assistance, which provides payments of up to $520 for an adult and $260 per child (up to a maximum of $1,300 per household) to cover emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items; and
  • Emergency Re-establishment assistance, which provides assistance of up to $31,950 per household for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing essential household contents.

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.

Affected local councils should contact the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance on (03) 9651 2327 or by email to ndfa@dtf.vic.gov.au to discuss the availability of assistance.

Information regarding the assistance available can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.auExternal Link and on the Victorian Government’s Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria website at www.recovery.vic.gov.auExternal Link .

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

“The Australian and Victorian governments are committed to working together to assist affected communities through the recovery process”.

“This assistance will ensure that people affected by the bushfires have access to a range of support measures to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Jane Garrett, Victorian Minister for Emergency Services

“It’s been a very difficult time for these communities and we’re making sure people have the support they need. That’s why we’re joining with the Commonwealth to provide personal and financial counselling services as well as emergency grants to those affected.”

“Local councils will also be able to access funding to help with the costs of protecting their communities and to ensure that public infrastructure is restored as quickly as possible.”

“In addition to these measures, the Victorian Government will also compensate those people whose property was damaged or lost in the Lancefield fire.”

Media Contacts: Minister Keenan – Shannen Wilkinson 0476 820 816 | shannen.wilkinson@ag.gov.au

Minister Garrett – Holly Little 0437 381 620 | holly.little@minstaff.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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