Victorians impacted by ongoing bushfires will receive support payments and emergency accommodation as part of a $19.5 million (NZ$22.8 million) package, with more than 30 blazes continuing to burn across the state.
Bushfire Relief Package Announced
Premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jointly announced the aid package in Bendigo on Sunday. “My message to Victorians is pretty simple, we’ve got your back,” Albanese said. “Not just during this crisis, but through the recovery as well.”
The package includes a $10 million (NZ$11.6 million) program to distribute fodder to farmers. Communities most affected by the fires will be eligible for a one-off disaster recovery payment of $1000 (NZ$1170) per adult and $400 (NZ$468) per child, available from Wednesday to residents in Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Longwood, Longwood East, Natimuk, Ravenswood South, Ruffy and Sutton Grange.
More than 350,000 hectares of land have been scorched by the fires so far. Allan stated, “We are not through the worst of this, by a long way.”
Current Fire Situation
There are currently 32 active fires across Victoria, concentrated around 10 major fire grounds. Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch reported that over 300 structures have been lost. However, he added, “In good news, we are starting to get on top of some of these fires.”
Authorities have cautioned against non-residents entering fire-impacted zones. “We only expect to see locals if it is safe to be in there at all, so please do not enter those fire impacted zones,” Wiebusch said.
Dramatic Rescue and Community Impact
A family of three, including a 92-year-old man, and their cat were rescued by police helicopter after their home was destroyed by fire. The family had sheltered in a shipping container on their property near Caveat. The 82-year-old woman sustained burns to her hands and singed hair during the ordeal.
Police Air Wing Tactical Flight Officer Brittany Smith described the scene as “heartbreaking,” but noted the family was “extremely lucky” to have sought shelter in the container.
A state of emergency is currently in effect for 18 local government areas. Firefighting efforts are focused on a large blaze in central Victoria and another near the New South Wales border.
The fire that swept through Harcourt, northeast of Castlemaine, has claimed at least 50 structures, including homes and businesses. Bonnie and Remy Sowman, owners of a local cafe, were left speechless by the destruction. They evacuated their home and business on Friday as conditions deteriorated.
Despite a forecast of milder weather on Sunday, with easing winds, authorities warn that the danger remains.
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