Funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the updated sum builds upon previously announced support for Victorians devastated by the blazes.
“These fires have devastated communities across Victoria – and we’re delivering more support to help people rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said.
“From clean-up and financial counselling to support for farmers and councils, this package delivers practical help where it’s needed most.”
The sum will fund a number of grants, initiatives and support packages, including the implementation of community recovery officers and hubs and primary producer recovery grants, as well as expanding on previously announced support.
Community recovery officers and hubs
The Victorian and Australian governments have announced they will invest over $15 million into establishing officers and hubs in bushfire-affected areas.
Local councils will receive between $450,000 and $1.3 million to employ recovery staff and deliver local programs, and community organisations can apply for grants of up to $75,000 for locally led initiatives.
Prolonged power outage payments
Up to $16 million has been announced by the state and federal governments for households impacted by extended power outages following the bushfires.
Eligible households that have been without power for seven or more days within a two-week period will receive $2380 per week for up to three weeks.
Applications can be made through electricity distribution businesses.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5fb6sbwc
Primary producer recovery grants
$40 million is being invested into providing eligible primary producers with grants of up to $75,000, delivered by Rural Finance, to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises.
The date these grants will open is yet to be announced.
Information on eligibility is available at ruralfinance.com.au
Concessional loans for primary producers
A further $10 million is being invested in concessional loans, with up to $250,000 of individual payments on offer for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets.
Through this funding scheme, those experiencing a major loss of income will also be able to apply for loans of up to $100,000.
Rural Finance will also deliver these loans, and the date applications will open is yet to be announced.
Information on eligibility is available at ruralfinance.com.au
Council Support Fund
Nearly $12 million will be delivered through the Council Support Fund to help bushfire-affected councils restore vital community assets and services.
This funding is set to kickstart clean-up and repairs to local public spaces, such as parks, footy ovals, community centres, playgrounds and sporting fields.
The fund will be active for two years, with councils receiving up to $750,000 depending on the scale of impacts.
Financial counselling
Over $4 million has been announced by the state and federal governments to provide financial counselling for communities impacted by the bushfires.
Specialist counsellors will help individuals and families access recovery grants, manage insurance claims, replace essential items, and deal with debts through payment plans and fee waivers.
The funding will boost the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Financial Capability Support Program, giving primary producers tailored financial advice.
Previous support
The new announcements build upon jointly funded recovery support already announced — including help to dispose of waste, emergency funding to deliver fodder to communities, and assistance with emergency accommodation.
“This has been a tough time for many communities across Victoria,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.
“The Albanese Government is working hand-in-hand with the Allan Government to make sure those communities have the resources they need to recover.
“We’ll continue to deliver practical assistance on the ground, so people can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.”
Victorians can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for information about payments and recovery programs.
The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal is also now open, and donations can be made at tinyurl.com/y5bk852c
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