Victorians impacted by the Grampians bushfire will be eligible for emergency disaster payments from tomorrow with the blaze expected to continue to burn for “quite some time”.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Grampians today where a landmass the size of Singapore has been scorched by the ferocious bushfire.
Albanese said disaster payments will supplement 13 weeks of pay for workers and sole traders impacted by the fire.
“From tomorrow, the disaster recovery payment will be available to workers and sole traders who have been directly impacted by this fire event,” Albanese said.
“This has been a devastating fire event, I think it’s particularly felt because of the time of year.
“We live in a country that’s got harsh conditions, the truth is they are becoming more frequent and more intense, I have been to natural disasters and extreme weather events in every single state and territory of the country … that says something.”
There are three fires currently burning at watch and act levels impacting the following areas:
- The eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona
- Halls Gap and Pomonal
- A bushfire burning at Long Gully Road to College Road is not yet under control and it is not safe for residents to return
Allan said the blaze could continue to burn for weeks as the agriculture and tourism industries take a massive hit.
“This is a fire that has been already running for some time… and it’s going to continue for quite some time
“It’s heartbreaking, this is a particularly beautiful natural asset in our state, it is really heartbreaking to see the loss, the damage to our natural environment and also the ongoing impacts to the community.”
The fire was sparked by lightning on December 6 and has torn through 74,000 hectares of farmland, national park and private property.
No injuries have been reported and three homes have been lost.
Allan said there’s a possibility that more homes have been or will be destroyed as the fire continues to burn.
Most residents have been allowed back, but the prime minister issues a stark warning to those ignoring fire bans and emergency evacuations, referencing a controversial post by Allan on X.
“Don’t be a dickhead, common sense has got to apply here… your head shakes that people that aren’t taking the warnings [seriously], it’s very disrespectful of the people who are here giving up their time.”
More information about the disaster payments is available on MyGov.au or through the Australian government emergency information line at 180 22 66.
