Fire crews monitor the fires in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Photo: Victorian CFA.
The Federal Government has announced financial support is available for Western Victorian communities affected by bushfires in the Grampians and Little Desert national parks.
Available through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), the scheme is being extended to the local government areas (LGAs) of Hindmarsh, Horsham and West Wimmera, after previously being available in the Ararat, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians LGAs.
The government says the DRA is available to individuals who live or work in the declared LGAs and have lost some or all of their income due to the fires. It says to be eligible for the DRA, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the bushfires.
Finance Minister and Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher said her thoughts were with everyone affected.
“We know communities are continuing to respond to the bushfire threat, and the impact is being felt across the region,” she said.
“This is an important payment that gives people up to 13 weeks of income support to make sure they can keep paying bills and putting food on the table.
“Everyone in Hindmarsh, Horsham, and West Wimmera should visit the Services Australia website to check their eligibility for the DRA and claim now.”
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the communities continued to be affected by bushfire activity that was impacting their lives and, in some cases, their livelihoods.
“Our government is activating financial assistance for more areas so those whose incomes have been disrupted are supported in the immediate recovery phase,” she said.
“We will continue working with the Victorian Government to support communities through this event and through recovery.
“Conditions remain challenging in Western Victoria so I urge the community to keep themselves safe by continuing to stay up to date with the emergency warnings and listen to the advice of emergency services.”
Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Tony Sheldon said the support was available to ease the pressure and to help people pay bills and get through tough weeks ahead.
“I know how tough this time is for so many people across the region,” he said.
“The impact of these fires is still unfolding, and as communities respond and recover, we’re making sure financial assistance is reaching those who need it.
“This support is here to help people stay afloat, but our work doesn’t stop here. We will keep standing with affected communities through response, recovery, and rebuilding.
“If you’ve lost income due to the fires, don’t wait — check your eligibility and apply through the Services Australia website today.”
Applications for these additional LGAs opened on 7 February. Potential claimants can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website, and the easiest way to claim is online through myGov.
