Cash offered to get lives back on track

EMERGENCY relief grants to assist with temporary living expenses and household repairs for residents affected by the weekend’s flood were announced on Saturday.
The State Government authorised the emergency grants on Saturday to ensure that Victorians have shelter and support to meet their basic living needs, as well as to repair their homes over the longer term.
Eastern Region MP Edward O’Donohue urged those affected by the floodwaters to apply for the grants.
“The grants will go towards helping those households with the immediate needs of temporary housing, food and clothing, while other grants will also assist with structural repairs and replacing essential household items not insured,” Mr O’Donohue said.
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; and re-establishment grants of up to $8650 for structural repairs and up to $8650 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.
Grants of up to $25,950 are available through the Department of Human Services for those in extreme hardship whose homes are uninhabitable.
Bass MP Ken Smith said the weekend’s flood was one of the worst Kooweerup had faced in decades.
“While the waters are receding, the clean-up effort is just beginning.
“Thankfully nobody was injured, but many homes have flooded and farmers are still assessing how much damage has been done to crops, which could be devastating,” he said.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin visited the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Sunday to meet residents who were evacuated on Saturday night.
He praised the work of emergency service staff.
“On behalf of the community we would like to acknowledge the exemplary work of the SES, CFA, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and council emergency response staff who made every effort possible to keep residents safe and informed over the weekend,” Mr Battin said.
For assistance or advice people can call the Insurance Council of Australia 24-hour hotline 1300 728 228.
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.