​Joint media release with Jaclyn Symes

Disaster assistance has been extended to more communities impacted by the Victorian floods and storms which started on Christmas Eve, under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Another 11 Victorian councils are now eligible for recovery assistance after more impact data was received for: Ballarat City, Buloke Shire, Cardinia Shire, Glenelg Shire, Greater Shepparton City, Indigo Shire, Melton City, Nillumbik Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta and Warrnambool City.

A total of 28 LGAs are now eligible for funding support from the Albanese and Allan Governments:

• Emergency relief assistance to help residents directly affected by the disaster and facing hardship to help eligible flood-affected residents and families access food, clothing, medication or short-term accommodation. This also includes assistance for relocation and temporary accommodation through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
• Removal of debris: to help residents whose properties are directly impacted by the disaster to make them safe and habitable. Individuals should contact their local council to enquire about this assistance.
• Emergency re-establishment assistance: Eligible flood-affected residents can access funding of up to a maximum of $49,300 to make essential repairs or rebuild their homes, replace flood-damaged contents, clean up flood damage to their home, or organise short-term accommodation while this is underway. Individuals should contact their local council or the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to enquire about this assistance.
• Support for restoration of essential public assets and Counter Disaster Operations: Support for Councils to clean up or repair essential infrastructure including roads, bridges and footpaths, and making residential properties safe and habitable to support the local community.

Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) continues to work with local councils to understand the assistance required to support communities following the floods and storms. Councils can notify ERV of impacts via the Claims Management System or email ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au. 

If you think you may be eligible for re-establishment assistance, contact your local council. You can search for your local council at www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council.

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website: services.dffh.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program.

If your business has been impacted, reference your insurance policies or contact your local council for support.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Today’s extension to an additional 11 LGAs will help provide important assistance to individuals and families, and help relieve some financial pressure on local governments so they can focus on important work dealing with the damage caused by this disaster.”

“We are continuing to work with all levels of Government to assess the ongoing impacts from the floods and storms, and will continue to look at what more is needed.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes:

“This funding is crucial for the recovery process as it addresses the immediate needs of flood victims, and whether that is somewhere safe to sleep at night or repairs at home – we will help them rebuild their lives.”

“The recovery journey can take a long time, and we will continue to support councils and communities with what they need. I commend councils who are working hard to assess the damage and support their communities through this time.”