The Allan Labor Government is protecting and supporting Victorians affected by the catastrophic weather event on February 13 that destroyed homes, damaged vital transmission infrastructure and brought down poles and wires across the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio visited Mirboo North today to announce more support for thousands of Victorians still without power.
To help people still impacted by outages, the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments will provide a Prolonged Power Outage Payment – households without power for seven days following the storm are eligible for $1,920 per week for up to three weeks. Small businesses will be eligible for a $2,927 payment per week.
The payment will be administered by distribution businesses and will help families buy much needed basic items and find alternative accommodation to get through.
Extensive damage to the electricity network left 500,000 Victorians without power at its peak. 90 per cent of those customers were reconnected within 48 hours.
To ensure residents have access to power, generators are being prepared for distribution. Priority will go to the most vulnerable who are remaining at homes with prolonged power outages. Further information on how people can apply to access generators will be distributed soon.
Customers impacted by power outages may also be eligible for assistance under the Guaranteed Service Level payments. Assistance is in the form of electricity bill credits – the amount customers are entitled will depend on individual circumstances.
In addition, from Saturday, the waste levy will be completely waived for storm impacted residents in Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Knox Local Government Areas (LGAs) until 30 April 2024. Residents from these areas will be able to dispose of green waste at their local tip free of charge.
In collaboration with councils and the waste industry, the Labor Government is ensuring all impacted communities have access to a facility or site to dispose of their waste quickly and safely.
For more information on eligibility visit, esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/information-consumers/guaranteed-service-level-payments-energy-outages.
Residents can also contact the Emergency Recovery Victoria Hotline on 1800 560 760.
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino
"Our government is working diligently to ensure residents of the Dandenong Ranges are supported during this crisis and able to return to normalcy as soon as possible”
“I couldn't be prouder of our community's resilience in the face of this catastrophic weather event. Witnessing neighbours supporting each other and coming together to aid in the recovery efforts is truly inspiring.”
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“This catastrophic weather event has had a devastating impact on so many communities and we’re making sure Victorians who need help are getting it as quickly as possible.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“Extra generators and support payments will not only help financially but ensure affected residents can get back on their feet.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“There is a big task ahead to clean up storm damaged areas and we’re helping get that recovery underway by waiving fees for storm waste disposal at local tips in the most heavily impacted areas.”
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