Joint media release with The Hon Bill Shorten MP and Jaclyn Symes
Federal and state government assistance is now available in another five Victorian local government areas (LGA) affected by the October Floods.
The flood impacted areas are East Gippsland, Hindmarsh, Mildura, Southern Grampians and Towong.
These regions can now apply for:
- Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) - up to 13 weeks of federal income support for employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. Equivalent financial assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
- Assistance provided under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) - this Commonwealth and Victorian government funded program provides a range of hardship grants, Council clean up assistance and support for primary producers like freight subsidies and concessional loans of up to $250,000.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has also been extended to Victorians in the Yarra Ranges, making the one-off, non-means tested support available to a total of 26 LGAs in that state. Yarra Ranges was also previously made eligible for DRFA assistance.
The payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury. Equivalent financial 2 assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
Claims for both payments can be made online through myGov, 24 hours a day. For information on eligibility and how to apply visit the Services Australia website.
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive flooding through Eastern Australia, visit National Emergency Management Agency.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator The Hon Murray Watt:
This direct support, both AGDRP and DRA, will help with short term recovery while we continue to look at what sort of long-term assistance is needed.
We are constantly monitoring and assessing this rapidly evolving situation as areas continue to respond and recover.
We already know the Victorian October Floods will leave a complex clean-up job and that's why we are committed to working closely with the Victorian Government to deliver the support that's needed.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Government Services, The Hon Bill Shorten, in relation to DRA and AGDRP:
The floods have taken a devastating toll on the Victorian community, and we are ensuring vital financial support is available for those impacted.
Services Australia staff are working hard to deliver payments and provide support in impacted areas as quickly as possible.
If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes:
We're being guided by locals when it comes to their recovery - this funding will make sure flood affected business owners and communities have the support they need to rebuild and return to trade as quickly and safely as possible.
Recovery takes time - we've been clear that we're with communities for the long haul and will support them with whatever they need to stay close to their home and get back on their feet.
ENDS
