General News
20 October, 2022
Support available for flood-affected communities
In the wake of last week’s widespread flooding, the Victorian Government has announced a raft of funding packages to support those worst impacted. The Central Goldfields community was one of many impacted by heavy rainfall last week, which saw...
In the wake of last week’s widespread flooding, the Victorian Government has announced a raft of funding packages to support those worst impacted.
The Central Goldfields community was one of many impacted by heavy rainfall last week, which saw more than 70 millimetres of rain fall on the district and waterways, most notably Deep Creek in Carisbrook and the Bet Bet Creek in Wareek, Timor and Bet Bet.
Following the flood event, the Victorian Government announced it would provide $500,000 to the Central Goldfields Shire Council to assist with clean up efforts.
The government has also waived fees for residents cleaning up their properties following flooding with landfill operator gate fees covered until the end of the year, meaning Central Goldfields and Pyrenees Shire residents can dispose of flood waste free of charge.
Residents seriously affected by flooding may be eligible for a $1000 payment for adults or $400 for children younger than 16.
To support young people impacted by flooding, the government has announced that for families directly impacted by the floods, three and four-year-old children can access kinder for free in term four.
With final year 12 VCE exams taking place next week, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and Department of Education and Training is making sure no student is disadvantaged, with derived examination scores to be available for students impacted directly by flooding.
In addition to this, a $73.5 million package will deliver grants to help farmers and business owners to clean up their properties — with $10,000 grants available to primary producers to help get their businesses back on track, while small businesses can receive $5000 to support clean up efforts.
Farmers can also claim up to 50 percent of transport costs for transport for emergency fodder or stock drinking water and may be eligible for concessional loans.
For more information on the support available or how to apply for available funding, visit www.vic.gov.au/october-2022-flood-recovery, or call the flood recovery hotline on 1800 560 760.