‘Focus on recovery’: Governments announces relief for Victorians impacted by Grampians bushfire

Governments and major banks have announced support payments for victims of the devastating Victorian fires.

The government and banks have announced support for victims of the Grampian bushfire Picture: Supplied

Victorians impacted by the Grampians bushfire will be eligible for disaster relief payments as residents deal with the fallout from the devastating blaze.

Victoria’s bushfire threat has finally begun to ease after burning through an area the “size of Singapore” over the Christmas period.

Hundreds of firefighters are still battling the 76,000 hectare blaze which has destroyed at least four homes, multiple sheds and killed hundreds of livestock.

Victoria Emergency have officially downgraded all warnings to “watch and act” or “stay informed” as firefighters start to get on top of the blazes. Although, authorities warn it could still be another week before the fires are completely put out due to their size.

The government and banks have announced support for victims of the Grampian bushfire Picture: Supplied

“The bushfire at Grampians National Park is not yet under control. The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now,” Victoria Emergency said in its latest warning.

The Victorian state government has announced support for those needing to flee from the devastating bushfires.

Residents in local governments of Ararat, the Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians, and Southern Grampians will be able to access one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family.

This is to cover essentials including food, clothing, medication and temporary accommodation.

Victorian minister for emergency services and natural disaster recovery Vicki Ward said the recent bushfires have had an enormous impact on the surrounding communities – this is felt most strongly by the families who had to leave their homes at Christmas time.’

’We’re working with the Australian Government to make emergency relief funding available for bushfire-affected Victorians – allowing them to focus on recovery without worrying about affording immediate food, clothing, medication and other necessities.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have jointly announced hardship payments for those impacted by the devastating fires.

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announce 13 weeks pay for those in need. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

Mr Albanese also announced disaster payments will supplement up to 13 weeks pay for eligible workers and sole traders from 2pm Monday.

Businesses can get 13 weeks of income support through MyGov or the Australian Government Emergency Information hotline.

“It is something that has kicked in on top of the other support that we’ve made available. The hardship payments between the Commonwealth and the Victorian Government, as well as disaster assistance via councils,” Mr Albanese said.

NAB’s payment plans

NAB is the first of the major banks to announce further financial assistance to those impacted by the fires.

In a statement, the big four bank said it is providing $1,000 grants and additional financial relief to customers severely impacted by the bushfires in the Grampians region in Western Victoria, to assist them in the immediate aftermath.

The grants will help NAB customers who have suffered significant damage to their home, farm or business to cover emergency expenses.

Regional customer executive Karen Ford said the bank is offering loan payment deferrals and other relief for those in need.

“To those families, communities and businesses in Western Victoria who have suffered damage to their homes, farms and premises: we are here to help,” Ms Ford said.

“This will be a testing time for our communities and we’re standing by them, providing immediate assistance, and making $1,000 grants available to help those most affected.