East Gippsland communities affected by the current bushfire emergency are set to benefit from a $19.5 million recovery support package announced by the State and Federal governments, as firefighters continue to battle fires across Victoria.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan visited emergency services personnel in central Victoria over the weekend to announce the joint funding package, which is being delivered through the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
While the full impact of the fires is still being assessed and the threat is ongoing, the funding is expected to provide critical support to regional areas, including East Gippsland, where agriculture, tourism and remote communities remain vulnerable.
A $10 million emergency support program will be established to assist farmers who have suffered losses of livestock, crops and farm infrastructure. The funding will be used to distribute fodder to producers in need — a measure expected to be particularly important for East Gippsland farmers managing stock in fire-affected and isolated areas.
Recognising the immediate need for safe shelter, $1.5 million has been allocated to coordinate emergency accommodation for people who have been displaced, including access to hotels, serviced apartments and other temporary housing options.
To support community wellbeing during recovery, $1 million will fund specialist disaster recovery mental health services, providing group counselling sessions to help individuals and communities process trauma and rebuild after the fires.
A further $5 million will establish a Recovery Support Program, offering a single point of contact for people navigating the recovery process. Case support workers will assist affected residents with housing, legal and financial matters, as well as accessing grants and government payments.
An additional $2 million will be used to
establish a recovery hotline, providing access to information and guidance on available
recovery services.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Federal Government was working closely with Victoria to support impacted communities.
“The Federal Government is working hand in hand with the Victorian Government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan said recovery would take time but support would remain ongoing.
“People heeded the warnings and acted to protect themselves and their loved ones —
at great cost,” she said.
“We’re standing with them on what will
be a long path of recovery, ensuring no one is left behind.”
