Fire funds for farmers
Farmers affected by the Bunyip complex fire in March are eligible for 13 weeks of income support from the government.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for people who cannot earn an income due to the bushfire and are a part of the jointly funded Commonwealth Disaster Funding Arrangements.
Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the money would help farmers get back to doing what they do best in the region.
“This will let farmers get to work while waiting for insurance claims to come through. This could mean a farmer can start repairing fences or help to replace farm equipment,” he said.
Member for Monash Russell Broadbent welcomed the announcement and said the assistance measures would go a long way in providing vital support to the community.
“Having visited and spoken with the local communities in and around Bunyip, I have seen firsthand the effects of these fires and the difficulties faced by the community since” he said.
“I am pleased that both the Commonwealth and Victorian State Governments have been able to develop the Community Recovery Fund to assist in the rebuilding of these communities.”
Since the fires the community has rallied around those affected, however, the funds that have now become available will allow even further projects to be completed as the area slowly continues to rebuild, he said.
Mr Broadbent said while the fires may have been some time ago, the funding is still extremely important to those affected.
“While it is some time since the fires, it is important that this funding and support is available in order to provide the support and assistance that our community requires rebuilding and recovering from the devastating fires earlier this year” he said.
Mr Broadbent also thanked all the support and emergency service workers who have continued to assist those in the region, while also thanking the not-for-profit organisations who have been instrumental in the months following the devastating fires.