Australia’s federal and Victorian governments are contributing $75 million to a clean-up package for properties left damaged in the wake of destructive bushfires.
Victorians whose homes, shops and sheds were destroyed in the bushfires can have their properties cleaned up at no cost under a $75 million program.
Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud on Saturday revealed the joint state and federal program would demolish, remove and safely dispose of all buildings destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
All property owners won’t be required to contribute to the cost of the program, even if they were not insured.
Littleproud indicated that other states that have been impacted by bushfires will get similar clean-up support with a 50 per cent contribution from the Commonwealth.
“This is about cleaning up the country,” he told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.
He said the federal government is working with all the states and clean-up funding will vary.
“Obviously there are still fires to be fought and those assessments will continue in other states,” he said.
“We estimate it will cost the Commonwealth more than $100 million between all the states.”
Victorian Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville says work can begin immediately in her state.
“This is about clearing the debris, cutting red tape and reducing costs for the community, so everyone can start the important work of rebuilding as soon as as possible,” she said.
By Colin Brinsden