More than three weeks after the devastating Longwood bushfire, fire-affected families, farmers, businesses and volunteers are finally seeing practical recovery measures made available on the ground.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the support is welcome, but it should never have taken this long, with communities left waiting for basic help while facing real health and safety risks.
“People have been living in damaged homes, cleaning up ash by hand and, in some cases, relying on contaminated tank water while they waited for support to arrive,” Ms Cleeland said.
“That simply isn’t good enough. In a state like Victoria, where we know disasters are becoming more frequent, these practical steps should be automatic and immediate, not weeks later.”
Ms Cleeland said she had been pushing for these measures through direct community advocacy, raising concerns with departments and calling for urgent action, particularly around delayed water tank cleans that left families worried about the safety of their drinking water.
“After a fire, we know the playbook. Clean-up, safe water, somewhere to stay and someone to help navigate the system. These are not surprises,” she said.
“I’ve been pressing hard because no family should be forced to choose between using contaminated water or going without.”
She said the focus now must be on making sure every local knows what help is available and how to access it quickly.
“We can’t change the delay, but we can make sure no one misses out from here.”
Clean-up support for homes, businesses and community assets
Uninsured and underinsured residents can now register for a coordinated clean-up program to assist with the safe removal of fire-damaged materials from:
• Homes and residential structures such as sheds and garages
• Business premises where buildings were damaged or destroyed
• Community facilities including halls and sporting infrastructure where no other clean-up support applies
“For many families, the clean-up bill alone has felt overwhelming,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This program gives people a real starting point so they can focus on rebuilding their lives, not just clearing debris.”
Registrations are open via the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or online at vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires.
Dedicated recovery support workers
Additional recovery support workers are now available to help fire-affected residents navigate:
• Grants and financial assistance
• Insurance and legal questions
• Health, wellbeing and community services
“Government systems can be confusing at the best of times,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Having someone local who can walk alongside you and cut through the red tape makes all the difference.”
Support is available on 1800 560 760.
Temporary accommodation
Immediate accommodation assistance remains available for residents unable to return home, with medium- and long-term housing options being progressed for displaced families.
Support for local businesses and primary producers
Bushfire-affected businesses can access free, confidential support including:
• One-on-one recovery advice
• Financial counselling for those under stress
Information is available at business.vic.gov.au.
“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our towns,” Ms Cleeland said.
“If they don’t get back on their feet, the whole community feels it.”
Prolonged power outage payments
Businesses without electricity for seven or more days within a two-week period may be eligible for payments of $3,088 per week for up to three weeks.
Eligible households can apply for $2,380 per week for up to three weeks.
Applications are made through electricity distribution companies via energy.vic.gov.au.
Water tank cleaning rebates
Rural households not connected to mains water can access rebates of up to $1,500 to clean and decontaminate rainwater tanks, roofs and gutters impacted by the fires. Households who have already paid for cleaning may also be reimbursed.
“Safe water is not a luxury, it’s basic health protection,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These tank cleans should have happened straight away. I’m relieved they’re finally here, but we must do better next time.”
Mental health and wellbeing support
Additional mental health support is now available, including:
• Free adult mental health support through Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals
• Expanded outreach services
• Extra support for students in fire-affected schools
Details are available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-locals.
“Our community has shown incredible strength and generosity,” Ms Cleeland said.
“My job is to keep pushing until the support matches that strength. I’ll keep advocating until every family has what they need to recover properly and with dignity.”