By Milla Webster
MORE than three weeks after the devastating Longwood bushfire, fire-affected families, farmers and businesses are finally seeing practical recovery support delivered on the ground.
While the assistance is welcome, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said it should never have taken this long, with residents left waiting for basic help while facing serious 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.
“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,” she said.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said: “Together with the Albanese Labor Government, we have fast-tracked more than $370 million in relief and recovery to support bushfire-affected communities. We acted immediately … as soon as possible. This funding is delivering immediate, practical help for residents, farmers and businesses … so communities can begin clean-up and recovery as soon as they’re ready.”
Uninsured and underinsured residents can now register for a coordinated clean-up program to remove fire-damaged materials from homes, businesses and community facilities.
Ms Cleeland said: “For many families, the clean-up bill alone has felt overwhelming. 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 are also now available to help residents navigate grants and financial assistance, insurance and legal questions, and health and wellbeing services. Having someone local to guide residents through complex government processes could make a real difference in their recovery.
Immediate temporary accommodation remains available for residents unable to return home, with longer-term housing options being progressed for displaced families. Bushire-affected businesses and primary producers can access free recovery advice and financial counseling at business.vic.gov.au. Prolonged power outage payments are also accessible for eligible households and businesses, with applications being made through electricity distribution companies via energy.vic.gov.au.
Rural households not connected to mains water can apply for rebates of up to $1500 to clean and decontaminate fire-affected rainwater tanks.
Ms Cleeland said: “Safe water is not a luxury, it’s basic health protection. These tank cleans should have happened straight away. I am relieved they are finally here, but we must do better next time.”
She also mentioned that retaining and processing timber locally for firewood could support fundraising for CFA brigades who protected the community during the fire.
“Our CFA volunteers put everything on the line during the Longwood bushfire. Keeping this timber local gives communities a practical way to support them through the quieter winter months, when fundraising opportunities are limited.
“Our firefighters stepped up when it mattered most, now recovery efforts need to do the same by backing our communities and our CFA,” she said.
Additional mental health and wellbeing support is also available through betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-locals
