The Federal and Victorian Governments have today announced more operational support and wider relief payment eligibility for tens of thousands of Victorians following widespread flooding across the state.
An initial joint investment of $150 million will see Victorians whose properties have been destroyed or damaged in the floods able to have their properties cleared of hazards and made safe at no cost.
“The first step in rebuilding is ensuring properties are made safe and hazardous debris isn’t putting families at risk – it’s an enormous job but we’ll be there with Victorians every step of the way,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
This first phase of the jointly funded clean-up program will be coordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) – with registrations already open.
ERV will work with local contractors to demolish, remove and dispose of structures that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the floods.
Additional ADF support has also been deployed to assist in the clean-up.
Emergency re-establishment payments have been activated, providing up to $43,850 for households without flood insurance, facing financial hardship, whose homes have been damaged or destroyed to help pay for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing essential household items.
The grants are for residents whose homes are uninhabitable for more than a week – a situation many in Victoria’s hardest-hit communities are now facing.
About 50,000 homes, 14 hospitals and 300 schools and early childhood facilities have been identified within flood impacted areas in Victoria so far.
“We’re ensuring Victorians can begin what will be a long road ahead with our full support – but without the expense and stress of having to navigate that initial clean-up on their own,” said Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews.
In addition, the Federal Government’s one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child has been made available to people who live in the LGAs of Benalla, Boroondara, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Moonee Valley, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi and Yarra.
The assistance is already available to those in the Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Maribyrnong, Mitchell and Strathbogie LGAs. Activation across additional councils will occur as impacts of the floods are understood, the Victorian Government said today.
Disaster assistance funding for communities affected by the floods through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements has also today been expanded to cover 46 LGAs.
“Activation of these arrangements allows more councils to claim expenses from the joint State and Commonwealth funding for a range of activities including early relief and recovery activities such as the establishment and operation of Relief Centres, the removal of debris from residential properties and emergency works to urgently restore an essential public asset,” the Victorian Government said in a statement.
“Activation across additional councils will occur as impacts of the floods are understood.”
“We will continue to work quickly and collaboratively with the State Government to ensure Victorians are supported through this difficult time, as we move from the response to the recovery phase of this disaster,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt.
The additional local government areas that are now supported through these arrangements are: Ararat Rural City Council, Banyule City Council, Boroondara Council, Brimbank City Council, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire Council, Glenelg Shire, Golden Plains Shire Council, Hume City Council, Indigo Shire Council, Manningham City Council, Melbourne City Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Moyne Shire, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Warrnambool City Council, Whittlesea Council, Wodonga Council, Wyndham City Council, Yarra Ranges Council and Yarriambiack Shire Council.
For support with payments, clean-up or any other flood issues, Victorians can contact the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au.
