2009 Bushfire Recovery Services

The 2009 Victorian Bushfires substantially impacted four municipalities in Gippsland – Baw Baw Shire, Latrobe City , South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire. 11 persons were killed and apart from extensive damage to national parks 221 houses were destroyed, 459 houses were damaged, 212 primary industry enterprises were impacted and another 76 small businesses affected. Considerable numbers of people were displaced and a comprehensive recovery program has been implemented to support affected families, communities and businesses. A range of recovery services have been established through Government and community services agencies. The services identified on this site include municipal, regional and state recovery services.

Community Service Hubs

Department of Human Services web page with details of all community services hubs currently operating. The Traralgon Community Service Hub details are:

Address : Portable Building
CATS Drive
Open: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Phone : 03 5195 5011
E-mail : hubtraralgonsouth@bigpond.com.au

Media Releases

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Media Centre.

What's New

Primary Producers

Recovery After Fire

DPI Information Booklet.

Rebuilding your life and farming operations after fire can be daunting, stressful and costly. Recovery after fire: Practical steps for landholders helps primary producers and landholders get back to business after the emergency vehicles have pulled out.

Financial Assistance

Department of Human Services web page on financial assistance available to primary producers.

The Victorian Government has announced assistance for businesses and primary producers directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires, whether through loss of property or tools of trade.

Case Management

Victorian Bushfire Case Management Services

Department of Human Services Webpage on case management services, including the state wide Bushfire Case Management Service Line 1800 050 400

The Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service is providing all Victorians affected by the bushfires with the support they need to access assistance with matters including accommodation, finance, personal assistance, employment, education, counselling, health and legal services during this difficult time.

Households

Financial assistance for individuals and households

Department of Human Services Webpage on financial assistance available to individuals and households.

There are many financial matters to consider after a fire. The list below shows the range of grants available from Victorian and Commonwealth Governments and from the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal Fund.  All information is contained on this page.

Small Business

Bushfire Assistance for Business

Business Victoria webpage on assistance available to small businesses.

The Victorian Government has announced assistance for businesses and primary producers directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires.

Tax office advice

Australian Tax Office webpage on assistance available to businesses and individuals affected by the bushfires

To assist businesses affected by the January/February 2009 Victorian bushfires and North Queensland floods, the government will be offering a number of disaster recovery measures.

Tourism

Destination Gippsland

Destination Gippsland Ltd is responsible for driving the development of tourism in Gippsland by leading industry strategy and pursuing infrastructure, marketing and relationship development on behalf of members, stakeholders and the community.

Inspired by Gippsland

Inspired by Gippsland is a tourism site with details on attractions, accommodation, history and events.

Material Aid locations

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority web page listing all material aid locations for people affected by the bushfires.

Material Aid Traralgon: (03) 5174 0812

VBRRA Regional Needs Coordinator: 0400 319 090

Public Land and Parks Victoria

Fire Management on Public Land

Department of Sustainability and Environment web page with information on fire management on public land.

Within the context of the Department of Sustainability and Environment's (DSE) responsibilities, fire management comprises all activities associated with the management of fire-prone public land which includes National Parks, State Parks and forests. This involves the management of both wildfire and the use of fire to meet land management goals and objectives. This includes the use of planned fire ( prescribed burns ) on public land.

Parks Victoria Bushfire Information

Parks Victoria web page with bushfire information and road and track closures and access.

Some areas of Victoria remain fire-affected but many parks have now reopened. Please check for park closures or changed conditions before you travel. We ask you to consider your safety when you visit the bush. This includes the risk of heat stress, falling trees in strong winds and water safety when visiting the coasts, rivers and lakes.

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF)

Homepage for the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

The Fund collects appeal contributions from the public and corporate organisations following emergencies. It provides financial assistance to persons residing in the Gippsland Municipalities of Bass Coast , South Gippsland, Latrobe, Baw Baw, Wellington and East Gippsland who suffer injury, loss or damage from natural disasters. Assistance grants have been paid to Gippsland residents and primary producers who suffered losses in the 2009 bushfires. Municipal Recovery Managers notify the fund of impacted properties to enable assistance grants to be paid.

Public Health

Department of Health web page on Emergency Management and Public Health.

Incidents such as bushfires, floods or hot weather not only affect the environment but also people's health.