Bushfires December 2024

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Disaster Relief Payments

The Albanese Labor Government is activating financial support for Victorians directly affected by bushfires burning in and around the Grampians National Park and Macedon Ranges – through the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income as a result of recent bushfires in the Southern Grampians Shire.

It is available to people who work or live in a declared Local Government Area who have lost some or all of their income as a direct result of the disaster, and will earn less than the average Australian weekly income in the 13 weeks after this income loss.

Applications for the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will open on 30 December 2024 from 2pm AEDT.

Members of the community are encouraged to seek information regarding eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website

 

The following is a summary of the Community Meeting held on Saturday 28 December at Dunkeld.

  1. Remain vigilant. The fires continue and it is early in the summer season with significant fuel remaining in the region. If you still don’t have a fire plan, establish one Your Bushfire Plan | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
  2. Stay connected and monitor the updates via Vic Emergency and act accordingly.
  3. Look out for each other, keep in contact with neighbours, family, and friends; be mindful that we all respond differently to fire events and the current conditions. If you need health support Home | National Centre for Farmer Health and/or RFCS Victoria West | Home
  4. Road closures are being altered to return access where there is no longer any risk.  Hard closures (with VicPol personnel on site) need to be respected for everyone’s safety. 
  5. Various support programs and packages are now available and those in need are encouraged to register Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency
  6. Fallen trees on roads yet to be cleared. Fallen tree management is being prioritised and addressed to ensure safe access for emergency services.  All other local road impacts due to fallen trees should be reported through the local council. Private property owners remain responsible for the management of all trees on private property.
  7. Access to and replacement of water used for fire management. Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency
  8. Stock feed and fencing replacement. Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency, Need for Feed a project of Lions Clubs, and BlazeAid

  9. Wildlife management. Bushfires | Emergency management | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria and Wildlife Victoria - Australian Wildlife Emergency Response

  10. Impacts to businesses and support Relief and Recovery - VicEmergency

  11. Glenthompson’s water is back to full capacity and subsequently there is no impact to the Glenthompson reticulated customers safe drinking water supply. 

  12. Wilaura - Glenthompson rural pipeline customers may be experiencing low water pressure or no water because of damage to the water supply infrastructure. GWMWater is working with the Incident Control Centre to reinstate water supply as quickly as possible.  Approximately 20 properties have been notified of this current issue.

  13. Vic Emergency has commenced the on-ground impact assessments which are expected to take days to complete with final reports to be provided to the relevant state agencies and respective Council’s.  These reports will also assist with Council and private property requests for relief and recovery funding and guide, particularly Council on required recovery actions.

  14. Hamilton Police Srn Sgt, Gerard Kelly, reiterated that if residents see anything or anyone that does not seem right to report it through the standard channels – Emergency 000, non-urgent reports 131 444 or via Hamilton Police Station. 

  15. Fallen trees on roads are yet to be cleared. Fallen tree management is being prioritised and addressed to ensure safe access for emergency services.  All other local road impacts due to fallen trees should be reported through the local council. Private property owners remain responsible for the management of all trees on private property. 

 

 

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