Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Senator the Hon Bridget Mckenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
Jaclyn Symes MP
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services
Lily D'ambrosio MP
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
Disaster assistance is now available in 26 local government areas in Victoria following damaging storms last week.
Assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the severe weather on 29 October 2021 left extensive debris, damaged roads and widespread power outages in its wake.
"The disaster assistance will provide a range of practical assistance measures to help impacted Victorians get back on their feet following the storms that has left homes without power," Minister McKenzie said.
"Financial support is available to help families that remain without power to buy necessities, source other forms of fuel or power, or find alternative accommodation.
"The Australian Government is working closely with the Victorian Government, and we are ready to provide further assistance as necessary."
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the impacts of the storm continue to be felt across the state.
"We know that being displaced after these kinds of emergencies is incredibly difficult - that's why we'll help those affected re-establish their homes as quickly as possible," Minister Symes said.
"Support is also being made available to help local councils with the costs of clean-up operations and the restoration of essential public assets, including roads. Anyone affected should reach out for help, regardless of what local government area they're in."
Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D'Ambrosio said the DRFA would assist households who remain without power for an extended period.
"The Prolonged Power Outage Payment will support families buy necessities, source other forms of fuel or power, or find alternative accommodation," Minister D'Ambrosio said.
"Similar to the support measures introduced after the severe storm event in June this year, residents whose power remains out as at 12:01 am Friday 5 November are eligible for $1,680 each week the power remains out, for up to three weeks."
Disaster recovery assistance is available to the local government areas of Banyule, Bass Coast, Bayside, Cardinia Shire, Casey, Colac Otway, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hepburn, Knox City, Macedon Ranges, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Moorabool, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Pyrenees, Queenscliff, South Gippsland, Wellington, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges. More local government areas are expected to become eligible for disaster recovery assistance.
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
- Removal of debris from residential properties
- Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- Prolonged Power Outage Support Payments for residents who remain without power for an extended period (eligibility criteria apply)
Affected local councils should contact Emergency Management Victoria via email [email protected] to discuss the availability of assistance.
Eligibility criteria for Prolonged Power Outage Support Payments can be found on your electricity distribution business's website.
AusNet has established a dedicated claims process for customers impacted by the storm, which can be accessed by calling 13 17 99 or on www.ausnetservices.com.au/en/About/News-Room/News-Room-2021/Storm-Update.
United Energy has established a dedicated claims process for customers impacted by the storm, which can be accessed by calling 1300 131 689 or on www.unitedenergy.com.au.
Information on disaster assistance is also available on the Australian Government's website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
