Clean-up and waste

Services available to you

Damaged homes and outbuildings

• If your home, business or community asset was damaged and you don’t have insurance (or not enough), you may be able to get free clean‑up support. This may also include supporting structures like sheds.

   More on clean-up support

  Forge Solutions has been appointed as the head contractor for the clean-up. Local trades can express interest in supporting the program through their website forgesolutions.au.

Fencing

• If your fencing was damaged by emergency crews or borders a national park, you may be able to get help. Call the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action on 136 186.
• Blaze Aid is working with rural people to help rebuild farm fences to safely contain livestock. Check their locations blazeaid.com.au.

Tree and debris removal

• Disaster Relief Australia can help remove burnt or fallen trees, damaged property and other debris. Deployments will be happening in communities soon, see their website for updates disasterreliefaus.org.

Livestock, farms and tractors

• Primary producer grants from Rural Finance can help cover the cost of clean‑up and getting back to business. Apply at ruralfinance.com.au.
• Get advice on livestock welfare and disposal. Call Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226 or email livestock.disposal@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Waste

• Free waste disposal is available at dump and waste facilities in the impacted local council areas. Check first with the site that they can take your items and bring ID that shows your address.

Advice for a safe clean-up and rubbish removal

• Watch for hazards as bushfires can leave behind dangerous damage. They can cause buildings to be unstable. Trees and branches may be fallen. Gas bottles and other chemicals may be damaged. Septic tanks or water systems may have or be ready to collapse.
• Asbestos can be dangerous when damaged or when it is being removed. Only licenced professionals should remove asbestos. Homes built before 1990 may have asbestos. Learn more about asbestos and find a licenced expert at asbestos.vic.gov.au.
• Look out for fake trades. Always ask for ID, don't pay upfront and check their qualifications.

Recovery hubs

Visit a recovery hub for in‑person help and information. Local councils have set these up in communities affected by the fires.

Volunteer organisations and services may be available in your area. Your local recovery hub can let you know what is available or contact your local council. Find a recovery hub location.

Emergency works orders

Councils may issue these orders if a damaged property is unsafe. Contact your council to understand your options.

Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage

Disasters can uncover or damage Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and artefacts. These must be protected, as once it is lost it is gone forever.

We all have a role to play in protecting and preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage. It is your responsibility to keep Aboriginal cultural heritage on your property protected. Find more information on firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au.