Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Joint Media Release
Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
Jaclyn Symes
Victorian Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Services
Disaster assistance is now available for communities in the City of Ballarat, East Gippsland Shire, Glenelg Shire and Moorabool Shire that have been affected by the Victorian floods and storms from 5 January under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This is in addition to assistance already being provided in Hepburn Shire.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the DRFA will assist with repairs to damaged properties and support councils to deliver repairs to roads and infrastructure clean-up, as well as fund recovery efforts in affected communities.
"This financial support will provide for the immediate recovery needs for people whose homes or belongings have been impacted by the damaging winds, large hailstones and flash flooding in the central west" Minister McKenzie said.
"We want to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and to support local councils with the costs of restoration of essential public assets."
"The Australian and Victorian governments are working closely and we are ready to provide further assistance as necessary," said Minister McKenzie.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes said that the impacts of severe weather have been felt by the affected communities.
"We know that being displaced after these kinds of emergencies is incredibly difficult - that's why we've been helping those affected and will continue to work with the Federal Government to support these communities wherever we can," Minister Symes said.
"Support is also being made available to help local councils with the restoration costs for essential public assets. I encourage anyone affected to reach out online or have a discussion with the support teams on the ground."
Affected local councils should contact Emergency Management Victoria via email [email protected] to discuss the availability of assistance.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Vic Emergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
