Minister for Emergency Management
Robert McClelland MP
This is an update to the media release below – Local Government Areas (LGAs) Moreland, Yarra and Yarra Ranges have now been added to the LGAs declared in this release as natural disaster areas for this hailstorms and flash flooding event that affected Melbourne on Christmas Day.
For all the latest information about disaster assistance available go to www.disasterassist.gov.au
Minister for Emergency Management
Robert McClelland MP
Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that financial assistance will be made available to households affected by the hail and flash flooding that hit Melbourne on 25 December, 2011.
Mr McClelland said that assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth and state funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) to the worst hit areas of western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.
“These storms impacted a widespread area across Melbourne and have caused extensive damage to personal property. They could not have come at a worse time, striking just when many households were looking forward to relaxing on Christmas Day with family and friends,” Mr McClelland said.
“Both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are committed to assisting individuals and families affected by the Christmas Day hail and flooding.”
Under the NDRRA, the following personal hardship and distress assistance is available:
- Emergency Relief Assistance of up to $1,200 to cover emergency shelter, food, clothing, personal items or specific transport needs, and
- Emergency Re-establishment Assistance of up to $30,000 to help eligible households with tasks such as clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing some damaged contents.
People who have suffered personal hardship and distress should contact their local Victorian Department of Human Services branch or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au for further information about assistance.
“I commend the Emergency Services staff, volunteers and the affected Local Councils for their response to the storms and sudden floods,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Commonwealth Government, through Emergency Management Australia, will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government to support families and communities through the recovery process.”
Contact: Simon Ferguson – (02) 6277 7667 or 0427 934 112
