East Gippsland Shire
Bushfire Recovery Newsletter No 1
www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland Shire Council has the responsibility to assist those affected by a natural disaster to recover from the impacts of the event. Council has been coordinating the collection of impact data from individuals affected by the Mount Ray/Glenaladale bushfire and the Goongerah Complex fire. This process identifies the needs for persons and property in the recovery process. Some of the services identified and referred have been financial assistance, counselling support, property clean up, fencing clean up and urgent personal needs.
Call the recovery line The Shire has a dedicated recovery phone number.
Agencies have been entering fire-affected communities to meet with residents and determine the assistance that individuals require. If you have been affected by the bushfire, but have not yet been contacted, please call the recovery phone number. The Shire can help direct you to the specific services needed for your situation.
Rebuilding
If you have lost buildings in the fires and you wish to rebuild, please contact the Development Department at East Gippsland Shire on 03 5153 9500 to make a time to discuss what is required. Council officers are ready to assist and guide landowners about any necessary application processes.
Fodder depot
A fodder depot relevant to the Mount Ray/Glenaladale fire has been set up at the intersection of Bairnsdale- Dargo Road and Wallers Lane. It is being managed by the Lindenow Lions Club. Please contact the Shire on the recovery number above to be advised of other collection points relating to the Goongerah Complex fire area. Alternatively, please contact the Department of Environment and primary Industry on 03 5152 0400 for any advice.
Contaminated water
Water contaminated by the fires can be replaced if you contact the Shire Recovery Centre number.
Replacing fences
East Gippsland Shire is currently developing a coordinated approach to assist affected farms in re-establishing fences damaged by the fires.
Waste services - extended hours
Waste facilities at Lindenow South have extended opening hours. There is a free drop off for fire affected residents to dispose of damaged goods.
Community recovery information session
Community Recovery information sessions will be conducted on Thursday, 27 February between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm at the Glenaladale Hall along with further sessions if deemed necessary.
Additional community information sessions
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries and the Shire are holding further fire update and recovery information sessions as follows:
Goongerah – Wednesday, 26 February at 12.30 pm at Goongerah Fire Station
Bonang – Sunday, 2 March at 12.30 pm at Bonang Hall
Changes to 2013/14 rates
Council recognises the bushfires occurred around the same period as rates payments were due. All fire affected ratepayers who have registered with the Shire’s Recovery team will receive an automatic extension on the due date of their rates until Monday, 2 June 2014.
Rate payments received on or by this date will be interest free.
The Shire’s rates unit will be advised of each property’s damage by the Recovery team, as your lost assets eg fences, sheds, etc, will affect the valuation of your property. Based on that information, the Shire will apply a revaluation recovery rebate of between $50 and $200 depending on the extent of the loss.
For anyone who has suffered a high value loss, such as a house, the Shire will automatically undertake a revaluation process. Ratepayers do not need to do anything other than register with the Recovery team (phone 1800 100 298) to receive the interest-free extension, rebate and/or revaluation for significant losses.
Ratepayers will be advised in writing of the rebate amount applied to them and/or the results of the revaluation.
Managing stress during emergencies
The impact of an emergency such as a bushfire can be stressful and exhausting. People are encouraged to look after themselves in this period. People who readily use formal and informal support from family, friends or other support organisations are generally found to recover better from stressful situations.
Counselling and health advice
Gippsland Lakes Community Health 5152 0052
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, available 24/7
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Parentline on 13 22 89
Horse owners
Project Hope Horse Welfare can provide assistance to horse owners, such as hay or emergency feed, or advice on feed management following the fire.
Contact 1300 881 606, 0419 876 696 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Equestrian Victoria Fire Relief Fund is accepting donations to:
NAB Werribee, BSB 083-961 account number 84 250 4766.
Author: Martha Johnson