This bushfire season has left a path of devastation in it’s wake.
Communities across Australia are left picking up the pieces, but they’re not alone, help is flooding in from Australians far and wide to businesses and governments both local and foreign.
Lenders
Big banks and small lenders have been quick to step up with a raft of recovery measures to ease the pressure on affected customers, from waiving fees and deferring repayments to fast-tracking low-interest rebuilding loans.
If you have lost income or property, it is important you get in touch with your lender or contact us at FMA to help you find out what your options are.
Government
All levels of government are coordinating to deliver bushfire disaster relief, with immediate aid to those who have been left homeless and re-establishment grants to uninsured homeowners and tenants.
The federal government has established the National Bushfire Recovery Agency with funding of $2 billion. Announcements so far include:
- The Disaster Recovery Payment, which is a one-off grant of $1000 per adult and $400 per child for bushfire-affected residents.
- The Disaster Recovery Allowance, which is weekly income support for 13 weeks.
- Grants of up to $75,000 to farming businesses in fire-affected regions, with funding administered at state level yet to be finalised.
- $76 million in bushfire-related mental health support including up to 10 free counseling sessions through Medicare.
South Australia
The SA Department of Human Services website has a run-down on assistance including grants of $10,000 to help small businesses get back on their feet; and up to $15,000 for primary producers. Go to the Primary Industries and Regions South Australia website.
Road to Recovery
Rebuilding from the 2020 bushfire season will be a long, slow process for affected communities and individuals. Extinguishing blazes is only the start of the journey, but those who have not been directly impacted can help.