Storm-impacted communities like the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia will be able to access disaster assistance after a joint announcement from the Australian and Victorian Governments.
“It’s been a long and stressful week for those who’ve been affected by this weather event – I want to thank communities for their patience as emergency services have worked to clear debris and get power reconnected,” Victorian emergency services minister Jaclyn Symes said.
“Together we are helping people get back to normal as quickly as possible, by making houses safe and restoring the essential public assets that communities need.”
Individuals and councils impacted across the state during the August storms will be eligible for the jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This can be used by councils to coordinate debris removal from homes to make them safe and habitable.
Emergency relief payments have also been made available for eligible community members whose homes have been damaged by storms in Victoria and their principal place of residence is uninhabitable or cannot be accessed. The Victorian Government will work directly with eligible individuals and families.
The funding also allows for emergency and asset reconstruction works to restore essential public assets like footpaths, bridges, levees and other infrastructure, supporting local communities in their recovery.
“The assistance being activated today will help councils clean up communities as quickly as possible, ensure public safety and reinstate critical assets,” Federal emergency management minister Jenny McAllister said.
“I’d like to commend the work of first responders who have had to manage high volumes of calls for assistance and brave difficult conditions to help their communities.”
Councils currently eligible for assistance are Baw Baw Shire, Cardinia Shire, Greater Shepparton City, Latrobe City, Mansfield Shire, Murrindindi Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire.
The number of Victorian councils eligible for disaster assistance is expected to increase as councils assess damage and formally notify for assistance. The list of eligible councils will continue to be updated on the Disaster Assist website: disasterassist.gov.au
For information about relief and recovery support, communities are encouraged to contact their local council. Information is also available on the VicEmergency website: emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
