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Birrell calls for support to be more widely available

By Max Stainkamph

Oct 24, 2022

Needing help: Sandbagging efforts at Kaarimba Hall, which is part of Moira Shire, last Thursday, October 20. It’s one of the regions impacted by flooding where residents are unable to access emergency funding, according to Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell. Photo: Holly Daniel Photo by Holly Daniel

People are falling through the cracks in Commonwealth and Victorian government assistance packages, according to Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, who has urged authorities to do more.

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Mr Birrell said while the flood emergency was still unfolding, there were gaps in approvals for critical support payments, with some affected local government areas not able to access assistance.

“Moira Shire, which has seen homes and properties inundated, particularly around Kaarimba and Barmah, is still not included in the local government areas able to access emergency relief payments from the Commonwealth,” Mr Birrell said.

“Those payments provide $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child to help with the immediate needs of flood victims, and are absolutely needed.”

There are a number of relief and recovery programs under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for individuals, not-for-profit organisations, small business and primary producers.

Mr Birrell said communities were beginning clean-up operations and couldn’t afford to wait.

“While I understand there is an ongoing emergency, communities that were flooded upstream of Echuca are trying to clean up and begin their recovery — they need immediate clarity about what support will be available,” Mr Birrell said.

“They shouldn’t be left to wait and wonder.

“Activation of extended support requires the Victorian Government to determine which areas receive assistance and what assistance is available to individuals and communities.”