CLAIMS that only a small percentage of the bushfire recovery package have reached those impacted by January’s fires have been denied by the State Government.
In a statement from March 5, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said new reporting showed just $12 million of the $370 million bushfire recovery package announced by the State and Federal governments had so far reached Victorians directly impacted by the January fires.
“Communities were told hundreds of millions of dollars would help them recover,” Ms Cleeland said.
“But the reality is that only about $12 million has reached Victorians directly, while farmers and families are still waiting for meaningful support.”
But in response, the State Government said the reports were untrue.
“This is deliberate misinformation and fearmongering,” a government spokesperson told the North Central Review.
“The money we announced for bushfire recovery is being spent on supporting affected Victorians as quickly as possible.
“There are no quick fixes, and these recovery programs are designed to support people for the long haul.”
Ms Cleeland said she would continue pressing the Victorian Government to provide clear public reporting on how much recovery funding was reaching affected individuals, farmers and businesses.