Recovery grants of up to $75 000 have been extended to farmers in 15 local council areas in Victoria, to help communities recover from recent bushfires.The Federal Government grants will be available in the local council areas of Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Indigo, Mansfield, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga.Federal Natural Disaster Minister David Littleproud said the grants would assist in developing a local-led recovery.
“The $75 000 grants will let farmers start rebuilding things like fences and sheds so they can get back to work sooner,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Getting communities back to work is one of the best ways to help a community recover.”
Victorian Shadow Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh welcomed the grants to replace fencing, sheds and other farm infrastructure and equipment.
“The Federal Government grants will be critical to helping our farmers get back on their feet and now the Andrews Government must step up to support the replacement of fences neighbouring state forests and national parks,” Mr Walsh said.
Institute of Foresters of Australia and Australian Forest Growers vice-president Kevin Harding said the grants would support the forest industry, and the damage caused by fires would need to be assessed rapidly.
“Some will have lost vital plant and equipment and some small private foresters will need to build road access,” Mr Harding said.
“The grants announced today are appreciated as they will assist these farm foresters.”
