Joint media release with Jaclyn Symes MP
Disaster assistance has been made available to eight communities affected by the recent severe weather events in Victoria’s east, under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Flood and storm assistance is available for communities and councils in the Local Government Areas of Baw Baw Shire, Benalla Rural City, East Gippsland Shire, Latrobe City, Mansfield Shire, Wangaratta Rural City, Wellington Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire, who were impacted from Tuesday, 3 October.
Activation of these arrangements allows councils to undertake a range of relief and recovery activities, such as the establishment and operation of relief centres. The support also provides funding for counter disaster operations carried out by councils to make residential properties safe and habitable, and emergency works to urgently restore transport infrastructure and the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads, bridges and footpaths.
Additionally, emergency relief payments have been made available for people whose homes have been directly impacted in East Gippsland Shire, Wangaratta Rural City and Wellington Shire.
East Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire residents are also eligible for bushfire assistance, including emergency relief payments, relating to the bushfires from September 30.
Councils not included in this initial list that subsequently identify impact should notify EMV via the claims management system or ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said residents had faced challenging conditions battling dual disasters.
“The bushfires caused power outages, destroyed at least one home and triggered evacuations, right before the floods blocked roads, inundated and isolated properties,” Minister Watt said.
“The Albanese Government and our National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) worked closely with the Victorian Government and state agencies throughout the events, and will now continue to assist through the recovery process.
“Last year’s Victorian floods and the Black Summer fires are still fresh in the minds of lots of locals, and I’d really encourage people to reach out to mental health support providers like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, MensLine, and Head to Health if they need support with the impact to their mental health and wellness.”
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said it was important that communities were supported now and throughout their recovery.
“The funding will allow local councils to respond to the health and safety of their communities in a way they know their community needs,” Minister Symes said.
“We will continue to monitor the needs of affected communities as the water recedes and the extent of damage becomes clearer.”
Affected local councils should contact Emergency Management Victoria via email ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au to discuss the availability of assistance. Councils not included in this initial list that subsequently identify impact should notify EMV via the claims management system or ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au
For more information on the emergency financial assistance payments, visit the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing DFFH Personal Hardship Assistance Program webpage and complete the online application form
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Vic Emergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
This release was originally published on the Ministers for the Department of Home Affairs' website.