Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Harcourt on Sunday and unveiled a $19.5 million support package for those affected by the ongoing bushfires.
He was joined by state MPs from across the Bendigo electorates – Maree Edwards, Lisa Chester’s, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
The joint funding between the federal and state governments will establish a $10 million emergency support program to help distribute fodder to impacted farmers; $1.5 million will assist those needing emergency accommodation; $1 million will assist those requiring mental health support; and $5 million in funding will ensure case support workers can assist the affected to navigate housing, legal and financial matters.
Albanese announced the package at a press conference in Bendigo and made note of the agriculture sector, whose figureheads had warned suffered major livestock losses.
“Based on the initial assessment and impacts of the bushfires, it’s estimated that thousands of head of cattle are likely to have been impacted and in need of urgent attention and care,” Albanese said.
“This package of funding will assist primary producers with the extraordinary costs of undertaking immediate and emergency livestock fodder distribution to ensure the humane treatment of stranded livestock.
“My message to Victorians is pretty simple – we’ve got your back. Not just during this crisis, but through the recovery as well”.
He said the Australian Defence Force are on standby to provide further support.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also spoke at the press conference. Her electorate in Bendigo East have had to evacuate, and in her speech, gave a personal recount.
“The Harcourt community has been so badly affected. It’s a small community, a beautiful community. It’s known for its apple growing, its beautiful produce, its beautiful landscape that’s just been ravaged by these terrible fires. And so for Maree, and for Lisa and I, it will be, we stand as local members to support our local communities,” Allan said.
She added, “My kids went to kinder in Harcourt, so I feel a real deep attachment to this beautiful community”.
The relief fund will be available on Wednesday and is eligible to residents of Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Longwood, Longwood East, Natimuk, Ravenswood South, Ruffy and Sutton Grange.
