Will Hodgman,Premier
David Littleproud, Federal Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management,
Recovery and Restoration Grants of up to $9,400 have been made available to support people in the Break O’Day Council area whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the Fingal bushfires.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments are committed to supporting the immediate needs of bushfire affected communities.
“The grants will put cash in the pockets of those most in need,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These grants are for people whose homes or belongings have been destroyed or badly damaged.
“This will help to give dignity to communities in the Break O’Day area as they recover.
“We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with these communities and provide further assistance as it is needed.”
The Recovery and Restoration Grants provide people with support through:
- Temporary living expenses if the principal place of residence is unfit to live in or is inaccessible (up to $9,400 available over 6 months)
- Replacement of essential household items (up to $9,400 available depending on the size of the affected property)
- Repair and restoration works to re-establish the principal place of resident to a basic, minimum standard to allow it to be inhabited (up to $9,400 available)
Premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman said the Recovery and Restoration Grants are being made available to help meet medium to longer term recovery needs of people affected by bushfires.
“These grants are targeted at individuals most in need who are unable to provide for their own recovery,” Premier Hodgman said.
“Eligibility criteria is applied so that low-income households with no or inadequate insurance can be assisted.
“We recognise the significant financial pressure natural disasters can place on councils, and in recognition of this, financial assistance is also being made available to support Break O’Day Council in providing immediate emergency assistance to individuals and families.”
Assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Affected individuals can apply for Recovery and Restoration Grants by phoning the Department of Communities Tasmania on 1300 665 663.
The grants will be available for three months after impact. Applications can be submitted subject to the outcome of insurance claims.
