Premier

Disaster Assistance For The Greater Geelong Community Affected By Flooding

18 February 2016

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett today announced disaster assistance in response to flooding which commenced on 27 January 2016 and affected the local government area of Greater Geelong.

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

Eligible individuals in the local government area of Greater Geelong will now be able to 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) available to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items.

Emergency Re-establishment Payments, which provide up to $32,500 per eligible household for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.

In addition, assistance is available to the Greater Geelong Council to assist with the costs of clean-up operations and restoration of essential public assets.

Anyone who has been affected by the flooding 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.

Information about the assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.auExternal Link and through Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria ( www.recovery.vic.gov.auExternal Link or 1300 799 232).

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

“The Australian and Victorian governments recognise the need for quick action to help affected communities recover from the impacts of natural disasters.”

“These measures will support the community of Greater Geelong with their recovery from the flooding and ease the associated financial burden on the council.”

"The Commonwealth and Victorian governments are committed to working together to ensure that disaster affected communities receive the necessary support to help them recover as soon as possible."

Quotes attributable to Jane Garrett, Victorian Minister for Emergency Services

“The Australian and Victorian governments are providing support to people who have been affected by the flooding.”

“The emergency grants will help with essential health, safety and wellbeing needs so the community can recover as quickly as possible.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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