Joint media release with Jaclyn Symes
The Australian and Victorian Governments are supporting communities affected by the Victorian storms in August 2024, with disaster assistance now available for individuals and councils impacted across the state.
The assistance, jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), 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.
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.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
"The assistance being activated today will help councils clean up communities as quickly as possible, ensure public safety and reinstate critical assets.
"The Albanese and Allan Governments are acting to relieve the financial pressures on local councils and affected individuals as the cleanup gets underway following these severe storms. Our government will continue working closely with Victoria to understand what the community needs and how we can assist.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes:
"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."
"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."
"We will continue to work closely with those affected to ensure they get the support they need to recover."
