Agriculture Victoria has indicated that their Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements include Primary Producer Recovery Grants worth an initial $40 million, includes grants of up to $75,000 available for eligible primary producers that could be used to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises.
Following the current devastating bushfire Agriculture Victoria has advised that it currently has teams on the ground supporting farmers with animal welfare and conducting impact assessments following the recent fires across the state.
Agriculture Victoria State Agency Commander Wendy Thom said the immediate priority is responding to urgent animal welfare needs caused by the fires.
“If your property has been impacted by fire and you have urgent animal welfare needs, please contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226,” Wendy Thom outlined.
“Our immediate focus is to assess and address urgent animal welfare needs, collect information on agricultural impacts, and refer any personal needs to relevant agencies.
“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of livestock losses due to the evolving nature of the fire activity across much of the landscape,” Wendy Thom added.
Farmers and primary producers affected by the fires are encouraged to activate their post‑fire plans and actively manage their livestock needs.
As farmers return to their properties and gain access to their land, they may need to dispose of livestock. Agriculture Victoria’s website includes information on how to do this safely.
“After a fire passes through a property, it’s important to have a plan for the immediate aftermath, as well as for the weeks that follow.” Wendy Thom continued.
“If you’re not sure, a good place to start is the Agriculture Victoria website, which provides practical information on what to do both immediately and in the longer term.
“Farmers can also access an online reporting form to inform us if fire has affected their property, including impacts to livestock, crops, fodder or water.
“The information they provide helps inform recovery efforts and ensures the right support is made available,” Wendy Thom concluded.
Advice is available on personal health and wellbeing, livestock carcass disposal, water management, soil and pasture recovery, fencing and financial support.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is coordinating the donation and delivery of emergency fodder relief for fire affected farmers.
Impacted farmers seeking fodder and those wishing to donate fodder can register with the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visiting vff.org.au. Get more information on how to make a claim on this link.
