State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell visiting a fire-affected area in Moira Shire.
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Moira Shire will now be included in the Federal Governments Disaster Recovery Allowance for those affected by the fires, after pressure from local MPs.
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However, Moira Shire will not be eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
The Federal Governments Disaster Recovery Allowance supports people who have lost income as a direct result of the fire by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said it was clear that the impact of this event has been devastating.
“The Albanese Government is working at full steam to deliver support for Victorians who have been impacted by these devastating bushfires,” she said.
“This allowance will help relieve some stress for those whose businesses and workplaces are still inaccessible.”
Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien joined Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy in visiting the fire-affected areas of Katamatite, Muckatah and Yarroweyah on Friday, January 16.
Mr O’Brien said he spoke to CFA volunteers about the actual firefight and the emergency issues such as roadside vegetation management, which he said, “certainly made this fire more difficult”.
“It was important to come and see what happened here, get some feedback from those on the ground about how the firefight went itself,” Mr O’Brien said.
Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien, state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell spoke to CFA volunteers about the Yarroweyah firefight.
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Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell advocated for Moira Shire to be included in the federal disaster payments, writing to both the federal and state minister.
“There are people we've seen who have lost their houses, they need all the support that they can get from the government,” he said.
“They need that funding in the way that the people of Longwood and Ruffy are getting.”
State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said he was “delighted” by the way the community had come together to support each other.
“We've had people tell us their house wouldn't be standing if it wasn't for others, not just the CFA volunteers, people on tractors, people with water carts, doing stuff,” he said.
“I am really delighted the way the communities come together to support each other.
“My heart goes out to the people who have lost structures and property, particularly those who have lost houses.”
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