Government announces flood support

Saturday 5 February 2011

The Victorian Government has today announced emergency relief to support Victorians impacted by heavy floods overnight.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, as Co-ordinator in Chief of Emergency Management, authorised the activation of emergency assistance to ensure that people can access shelter and support to meet their basic living needs and to re-establish their homes over the longer term.

"These latest storms and deluge of floods overnight have impacted a number of communities across Victoria including some that are already recovering from recent floods," Mr Ryan said.

Grants of up to $25,950 are available through the Department of Human Services for those in extreme hardship whose homes are uninhabitable.

The grants include:

• emergency grants of up to $427 per adult and $213 per child; to a maximum of $1,067 per household. This grant is designed to provide immediate assistance to people in urgent need of food, clothing, and shelter
• temporary living expenses of up to $865 a week per household for a maximum of 10 weeks for people whose principal residence is destroyed or inaccessible for more than one week and who do not have insurance. This grant is income-tested and is designed to cover expenses for temporary accommodation, household equipment and transport
• re-establishment grants of up to $8,650 for structural repairs and up to $8,650 for household items to help residents with their re-establishment of house structures and essential content items that are not insured. These grants are also income-tested.

The Government also encouraged people to contact their insurance providers to register their intention to claim even if they are unsure of what damage may have been caused.

For assistance or advice people can call the Insurance Council of Australia 24-hour hotline 1300 728 228.

In the past 24 hours, the State Emergency Service received in excess of 4000 requests for assistance, and numerous flood watches and warnings exist for all parts of the state with the exception of the South West, and far East Gippsland.

Residents seeking advice about how to apply for grants can phone the SES Flood Information Line on 1300 842 737. Information about the grants can also be accessed at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency. Those seeking emergency flood help should call the SES for immediate assistance on 132 500.