Government increases flood clean-up grants

Wednesday 19 January 2011

The State Government will increase $15,000 flood clean-up grants available to Victorian small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit bodies to $25,000 effective immediately.
Grants are also available on a retrospective basis to eligible Victorians still cleaning up from September 2010.

"As I have traveled around Victoria's flood-affected communities, it is obvious that many communities are still recovering from the damage of last September's floods," Premier Ted Baillieu said.

"These are the worst floods ever to hit northern and north-western Victoria and the scale of this disaster means the Government will increase clean-up grants from $15,000 to $25,000.
"Victorians affected by these floods are determined to recover and rebuild, but they need help to clean up so that recovery process can begin in earnest."

Mr Baillieu, who is visiting flood-affected communities and families in Horsham and Warracknabeal today, said the Coalition Government was working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ensure maximum support was available for Victorian flood victims.

The $25,000 clean up and restoration grants will be available retrospective to the September 2010 floods and including this month's floods for eligible primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations.

These grants are made under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and are jointly funded by Victoria and the Commonwealth Government.

Affected people should contact the Rural Finance Corporation on (03) 5448 2600. Low interest loans of up to $200,000 from the Rural Finance Corporation will also be available.

Grants for individuals are provided for through the DHS administered grants and the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal. The community is urged to donate money to the Red Cross by calling 1800 811 700 or visiting the Red Cross website at redcross.org.au.