​​Joint media release with the Hon Jaclyn Symes​

Disaster assistance has been made available in communities affected by the Victorian October Floods commencing in October 2022 under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

The storm and flood event has particularly impacted the twenty three (23) local government areas of: Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, Buloke Shire, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, City of Greater Bendigo, City of Greater Shepparton, Corangamite Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Hepburn Shire, Horsham Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mansfield Shire, Maribyrnong City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Moira Shire, Moonee Valley City, Murrindindi Shire, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta and Strathbogie Shire. 

As impacts continue to be assessed, additional councils are likely to be included. 

Activation of these arrangements allow councils to claim expenses from the joint State and Commonwealth funding for a range of activities including early relief and recovery activities including the establishment and operation of Relief Centres. 

It can also cover the removal of debris operations carried out by councils from residential properties to make them safe and habitable, emergency works to urgently restore an essential public asset (i.e. transport or infrastructure) to an acceptable level of service within 3 months from date of the event, and construction works of essential public assets. 

Affected local councils should contact Emergency Management Victoria via email ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au to discuss the availability of assistance. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the Australian and Victorian Governments are working together to support communities as the flood crisis continues to evolve. 

“This is a serious situation for many residents, and we are closely monitoring the current weather system as flood levels continue to rise and new areas come under threat,” Minister Watt said. 

“Support to councils is available for the costs of the repair and restoration of essential public assets. This in turn supports the industries and people that rely on these assets. 

“The Federal Government is committed to working closely with the Victorian Government to support the affected communities, in this instance by focusing on repairs and restoration to infrastructure.” 

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said it was important that impacted communities received support. 

“As the water recedes, the impact of the damage will be clearer and we’ll be able to provide the support that’s needed,” Minister Symes said. 

“Emergency hardship payments are now also available for community members whose homes have been impacted, to use for immediate needs like food, clothes and medicine. 

“I would also like to recognise the work of our emergency services, who do an outstanding job responding to hundreds of requests for assistance, under very difficult circumstances.” 

For more information on the emergency financial assistance payments visit the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Personal Hardship Assistance Program webpage and complete the online application form. 

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster assist website and the Vic Emergency website.