Joint media release with the Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP
The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have activated Emergency Assistance Grants for impacted residents in specific areas of Break O'Day LGA who have been displaced due to bushfires.
This activation has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
These grants are available to people in the St Helens, Stieglitz and Akaroa areas who have had to evacuate or have become isolated due to the bushfires, helping eligible individuals by contributing to the cost of obtaining essential and appropriate shelter, food, transport and personal items.
Grant funds available are:
- $250 per adult (over 18 years);
- $125 per dependent child (under 18 years); and
- a maximum of $1,000 for any one family.
Financial support is also being provided by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments to assist state agencies and councils with the costs associated with counter disaster operations to protect communities and essential assets.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government continued to support Tasmanian communities during times of emergencies.
"Today's announcement demonstrates the Albanese Government's commitment to ensuring Tasmanians impacted by these bushfires can receive some financial relief as soon as possible," Minister McBain said.
"Alongside these grants for residents, we're working with the state government to ensure firefighters and disaster response teams have what they need to protect local communities.
"This is a dynamic and dangerous situation, so I ask that Tasmanians continue to listen to warnings by emergency services and prepare to act on their advice."
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said that the past week had been devastating for multiple communities across Tasmania's East Coast.
"Today, we are activating emergency assistance grants for residents of St Helens and surrounding areas, ensuring people who have been displaced due to the bushfires can get immediate support," Premier Rockliff said.
"In tough times Tasmanians come together, and I want to thank all of our emergency services, our volunteers and those who are helping keep our community safe.
"Once again, the conditions were extremely challenging yesterday.
"I want to acknowledge the Federal Government for working with us to deliver support to Tasmanians in bushfire affected communities.
"For updates, download the TasALERT App or visit the TasALERT.com website. Both the app and the website can send you notifications when there are important alerts in areas that concern you."
Applications for Emergency Assistance Grants can be made online via Department of Premier and Cabinet - Community Grants.
For more information, members of the public can visit the Helping you to recover from an emergency website.
For further information and updates, visit the following websites:
- TasALERT for current warnings and advice
- Bushfire:Why risk it? for advice on how to prepare and plan
- Warnings and alerts for the latest weather forecast and warnings
- Community Alerts for road closures
- Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania for parks closures
