Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward questioned Ms Lovell’s comments, stating they had been “on the ground since day one helping families recover and rebuild.”
“From when the fires first started, we moved quickly to provide emergency accommodation and we’re now delivering longer-term solutions to make sure bushfire-affected Victorians continue to have a safe place to stay throughout their recovery,” she said.
In this summer’s fires, over 425 homes were lost across northern Victoria in the Longwood, Harcourt, Walwa, Yarroweyah, Goomalibee and Markwood fires.
Ms Lovell said she was “extremely disappointed” to hear from residents in the Longwood and Harcourt fire zones that the government had failed to provide an adequate housing response.
“It is vital that after a disaster housing is provided that allows families to remain present and connected in their communities as they recover, and enables children to stay in their local schools,” she said.
Five months after the fires the government announced it would provide 100 temporary modular homes for people without adequate insurance whose home was significantly damaged or destroyed.
Ms Lovell said the government had “let these communities down” and had taken “too long” to provide housing support.
“I am pleased to hear that the government has finally committed to providing 100 modular homes, but this is clearly not enough, and has arrived far too late as the cold winter weather has already set in,” she said.
Ms Ward said they have provided significant support and will always consider what more they can do.
“Along with the Commonwealth, we have delivered more than $420 million to help bushfire-affected Victorians pick up the pieces following these devastating fires,” she said.
Anyone needing support is encouraged to contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to be connected with the support they need.
The disaster recovery programs are not designed to replace insurance. Insurance companies also need to play their role in delivering timely support for their clients.
