February 2024 Western Victorian bushfires

Street Debris Removal Program

We are helping councils in areas affected by the February 2024 Western Victorian bushfires to coordinate, remove and dispose of bushfire waste and debris where they need it.

Councils will lead the street debris removal with the support of our lead contractor, Hansen Yuncken. Once the waste and debris has been safely collected, it will be taken to a waste management facility for processing.

Councils involved in the program will let eligible residents know:

• waste and debris collection dates
• where to leave the debris
• other important information related to the clean-up.

For more information, please contact your local council directly or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Help to remove bushfire debris

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) can help eligible property owners to clean up after bushfires. This includes help with clearing properties of bushfire debris.

DRA is a recognised organisation that:

• recruits
• trains
• equips
• organises
• deploys volunteers to help with disaster operations across the country.

For more information, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or speak to a DRA representative in your area.

Financial help

Emergency re-establishment assistance

Emergency re-establishment assistance is available for eligible community members impacted by the February bushfires in Victoria.

Who can get the payment

You might be able to get this payment if you:

• do not have much money to fix your home damaged by a major emergency
• do not have building or contents insurance
• cannot return home because it is damaged or destroyed
• cannot get to your home for more than 7 days because of a major emergency.

Payment amount

The amount of money you get depends on things like:

• the number of people who live in your home
• how much of your house is damaged
• how much money you earn.

You can use this money for:

• cleaning up your home or property
• staying somewhere else
• repairs to your home
• rebuilding your home
• replacing damaged contents.

How to apply

For information about how to apply for this payment, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (press 9 for an interpreter).

Someone from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing might also contact you about applying for a re-establishment assistance payment. They will be able to help you apply.

You will need to show some documents as part of your application. You will need to show proof of:

• identity, for example, a driver licence or passport
• income, for example, a payslip or Centrelink payment summary
• insurance status, for example, a document from your insurance company
• impact on your home, for example, photos of damages or quotes for repairs.

Resources

PHAP general information (Word)(opens in a new window)

Translated resources

Easy English

Easy English - PHAP general information (Word)

What to do after a fire

Before you go home

Check with your local emergency services that it is safe to return to your property after a bushfire.

Remember to take bottled water, some food, sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat.

Returning to your property may be stressful(opens in a new window) and exhausting. It is important that you look after yourself.

When you get home

Wear protective clothing before entering your property.

Check for hazards - there may be fallen or sharp objects, smouldering coals, damaged electrical wires, leaking gas and weakened walls at your property.

Tank water may be contaminated from ash, debris or fire retardant. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not use it.

Read more information about cleaning up a smoke-affected home(opens in a new window) and returning home safely after a fire(opens in a new window).

Other available support