Farmers affected by the St Patrick’s Day fires can now access $10,000 grants as part of a ramped-up government support package.
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The $10,000 recovery grants and low-interest loans of up to $200,000 will be available to fire-affected primary producers in the Corangamite, Moyne and Southern Grampians regions, the state and federal governments announced on Sunday.
Federal Minister Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the additional support would help farmers get back on their feet.
“I saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires had on the south-west Victorian communities and particularly the primary producers in the area, as well as the resilience these communities displayed during their recovery,” he said.
State Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said the funding was aimed at helping with the clean-up and re-building, re-seeding pasture and fixing damaged machinery.
“I encourage all Victorian primary producers affected by the March fires to contact Rural Finance and determine their eligibility for a grant of up to $10,000,” he said.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has welcomed the extra assistance. “Through visiting the impacted areas and talking with farmers, it is vital that we continue to support the local communities as they recover,” he said.
The assistance announced today could be used for a range of recovery and reinstatement activities, such as replacing damaged fences and pasture, purchasing fodder and repairing damaged equipment and machinery.
“I encourage all primary producers affected by the March fires to contact Rural Finance and determine their eligibility for a grant of up to $10,000. The activation of assistance demonstrates the commitment of the Australian and Victorian governments to support fire-affected communities in south-west Victoria.”
Almost 4000 livestock were lost in the fires, along with 26 homes, 66 sheds and more than 2000 kilometres of fencing.
To apply for a recovery grant, people can contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 from Monday, or visit ruralfinance.com.au for further information. Eligible primary producers should keep receipts for reimbursement purposes.
