Macedon Ranges residents who were impacted by the June storms can now apply for federal disaster recovery payments.
The council was only added to the Australian Government Disaster Payments list on October 6 despite extensive damage to the region.
Residents who suffered injury or major damage to their property can apply for the one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said he was disappointed the government had taken so long to include the Macedon Ranges.
“It was really bewildering that Macedon Ranges had been left off the list when we know that so many across Macedon, Woodend, Newham, Lancefield and Gisborne were badly hit by ferocious winds,” he said.
“We know that more than 1000 requests for help were made in our area after the storm ripped through our area, with enormous swathes of trees torn down causing significant damage to many properties, cutting road access, power and host of other severe problems.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council continues the secondary impact assessment call process, which involves calling residents and landowners across multiple townships and districts.
Municipal recovery manager Tony Grimme said the assessment team’s work had revealed about 340 people had not previously reported the damage on their property to council or other authorities.
For details about the Australian Government Disaster Payments visit: disasterassist.gov.au or phone 180 22 66.
BRV STORM REGISTER
Those impacted by the June storm, and whose property is eligible for the Bushfire Recovery Victoria Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up are encouraged to register by October 31.
The October 31 cut-off date is for new registrations only. If you have already registered and are waiting for a call-back, site assessment, or works to begin, this cut-off date does not apply to you.
For details on the clean-up program, call 1800 560 760 or visit: brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup
STORM RECOVERY SESSIONS
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is hosting two storm online recovery sessions for those who were impacted, following sessions in Lancefield, Romsey and Kyneton earlier this year.
The sessions will be held at 6.30pm, Wednesday October 13 for Macedon, Mount Macedon and surrounds, and 6.30pm, Wednesday October 20 for Woodend, Ashbourne and surrounds.
Representatives from the council, Bushfire Recovery Victoria, DELWP, CFA, Parks Victoria, SES and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health will be available to speak with residents and provide advice and information.
As well as updates, these sessions will give the community an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
Register your attendance and submit any questions you would like addressed at: mrsc.vic.gov.au/storm-recovery
If you have an immediate need for advice or support call the Recovery Operations Centre on: 5422 0237 or email recovery@mrsc.vic.gov.au
