Almost $82 million has been announced to restore and repair state roads and public transport infrastructure damaged by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires, ensuring critical transport links are restored for regional communities.
Of that, up to $44 million is for emergency works which will be funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments under joint Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The Allan Government will fund a further $37 million.
This builds upon previously announced support and responds directly to needs identified by affected communities as they start their recovery journey.
We've seen a significant impact not only on the road surfaces but also critical roadside and safety infrastructure including barriers, signage and vegetation as well as the strain to roads from heavy machinery used for tree clearing on the roads.
Crews will be out repairing wire rope and guard rails, cleaning up trees and debris, making sure signage remains intact and undertaking road repairs, supporting local economies and businesses, which rely on safe and accessible roads.
We are undertaking works along critical routes including Murchison-Violet Town Road to ensure this critical detour route for the Hume Highway remains open for local communities.
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is preparing for significantly more road pavement damage and repairs on roads such as the Murray Valley Highway, Benalla-Tocumwal Road and Shelley-Walwa Road.
The Albanese and Allan Governments are committed to ensuring bushfire-affected Victorians have the support they need to recover from these devastating bushfires. Information about recovery support is available now on the Emergency Recovery Victoria website: vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
If you would like to support communities impacted by these fires, the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) has launched the January 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal: vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
If you would like to donate goods or volunteer your time, you are encouraged to reach out to appropriate charities like GIVIT.
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"The Albanese Government is fully invested in supporting the communities impacted by these devastating bushfires.
"This funding supports repairs to vital infrastructure, helping communities on the road to recovery."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward
"Getting on with the job of repairing critical transport infrastructure is an important part of the vital first-steps in ensuring bushfire-affected communities can rebuild and recover. We will always stand with Victorian communities on their journey to recovery."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We have seen the impact these fires have had - and are continuing to have on the network and we are getting on with making sure these critical routes keep people on the move."
