Victorians whose homes, businesses and sheds were destroyed in the June floods and storms can have their properties cleaned up at no cost, continuing to support communities to recover as soon as possible.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Initial funding of $55.5 million has been provided for the first phase of the program which will be delivered by Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) in partnership with Johns Lyng Group, Australia's largest disaster recovery specialist.
Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the clean-up program will ease pressure on families following the catastrophic storms that caused widespread damage and disconnection across the state, bringing down trees, causing major flooding and damaging vital infrastructure.
"Clean-up is an important step following a natural disaster, and it is vital in ensuring that properties are made safe," Minister McKenzie said.
"This program will clear the debris and cut red tape so that communities can begin their recovery journey."
Victorian Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes encouraged eligible property owners to register.
"We'll stand shoulder to shoulder with Victorians on their recovery journey, for as long as it takes."
"This voluntary program is open to eligible property owners, regardless of whether or not they were insured, and I encourage anyone impacted by the storms to apply.
"We'll assist residents to clear the debris sooner so that communities can recover faster"
The program will work with local contractors to demolish, remove and dispose of structures that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the storms, including residential and commercial buildings. It also includes the removal of hazards such as dangerous trees that pose a threat to property or work crews, as well as any vehicles that were damaged beyond repair.
In addition, the Victorian Government is working with the Insurance Council of Australia to ensure savings accrued by insurers from the Government-funded clean-up of destroyed homes will be passed on directly to policy holders, so they can use those funds to help rebuild their homes and businesses.
The BRV Storm and Flood program will start immediately with BRV and Johns Lyng contractors on the ground for assessments as soon as eligible property owners register.
Property owners are encouraged to check their eligibility and register for the clean-up program at www.brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup or by phoning 1800 560 760.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
