Please find the below information and attachments which may help in finding assistance that is being offered from various organisations after the recent flooding event.
- The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment - provide one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by storms and floods: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/what-victorian-floods-october-2022-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment?context=63461The NB The threshold is $20,000 in damage this includes fences livestock etc
- The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance - provides income support payments to eligible persons who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of storms and floods: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-events?context=6004
- Council Flood Support Fund - this will be established as an initial measure to provide immediate payments of $500,000 to the 24 local government areas that have experienced the most profound flood damage. This support is in addition to existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Further information provided in the following link: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/funding-support-local-recovery-effort
- Agriculture Victoria has recently made available grant streams which open on 20 October to flood affected businesses and farmers:
- Primary Producer Recovery Grants: Up to $75,000 grants to cover the cost of recovery and get businesses up and running again.
Note: This replaces the $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up, Relief Grants announced on 19 October. Producers that have received a Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up Relief Grant of $10,000 can now apply for up to a further $65,000 under the Primary Producer Recovery Grant, bringing the total to $75,000. - Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover the short-term business expenses.
- Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.
These grants can be accessed via the following link: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/flood-advice-and-support
- $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program - For small business owners whose livelihoods have been affected by the floods. https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/small-business-immediate-flood-relief-program
- Support for mental health
In addition, the Victorian Government has announced a $4.4 million initial package that will support any extra mental healthcare flood-affected Victorians need. This includes $500,000 for specialist agriculture organisations, including the National Centre for Farmer Health, to provide dedicated mental health support to primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were lost in the floods. Further information on this support is available in the Premier’s statement.
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Taking care of yourself
Have you been taking care of yourself? During an emergency, people tend to exist in a survival state to get through the incident, using up considerable emotional reserves. If you’ve been working hard for long periods, missing meals and sleep, take some time to take care of yourself. Recognise the signs of stress and reach out for support if you need it. For a comprehensive list of health support agencies, click here - Has your horticultural produce been in contact with flood waters?
- For advice and information about dealing with flood-impacted horticulture, visit the Agriculture website.
- Further information is available on the Horticultural Industry Network website “Recovering from Extreme Events”.
- Additional resources for flood-impacted growers are available at the Food Authority Fresh Produce Safety Centre website
- Fast Facts: Farmers Lung
Moving mouldy hay, straw, grain and compost may trigger breathing issues. Take preventative action and look for signs of Farmers Lung with these Fast Facts by @FarmerHealth. More on lung health here: https://bit.ly/3AHa2OD
Chemical safety after floods
Landholders in flood affected areas may face a range of issues related to the storage and use of chemicals:
- Weed, pest and fungicide spraying may increase after floods. Follow the label and ensure you don’t use chemicals past their expiry date.
- Floodwaters may result in different pests or diseases to those you usually manage. To minimise risks please only use chemicals according to the label instructions.
- Comply with any “DO NOT” statements, including those relating to spraying near waterways or on saturated ground.
- Be cautious when using spraying equipment on flood affected areas as it may be less stable than normal.
- As large areas are saturated there may be an increased need for aerial spraying.
- If chemicals are contaminated or damaged due to flood waters dispose of them appropriately e.g. via subsidised programs like ChemClear or call 1800 008 182.
For more information on dealing with floods visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods
Translated Flood Factsheets
Please see below links for translated flood fact sheets from Agriculture Victoria. The material is in:
Financial counselling and Mental Health services: If you need help please reach out to one of the following services:
- Rural Aid- Counselling (Mental health)- 1300 327 634
https://www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/
- National Centre for Farmer Health- Online Psychology Service. NCFH Online Psychology Service. Access a Psychologist Online- https://farmerhealth.org.au/access-a-psychologist-online
- RFCS- (Rural Financial Counselling Service)- 1300 771 741
The local rural financial counselling services. https://www.rfcsvicne.org.au/. Watch the information video to find out what is covered by this service- https://www.rfcsvicne.org.au/images/rfcs-whiteboard1.mp4
