Those affected by the Goomalibee fires in December will now be able to seek disaster relief payments. Photo: Phoenix Aerial
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Phoenix Aerial
The Goomalibee fire has now been formally recognised for disaster recovery assistance following a bushfire that started on December 18 last year.
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While those affected by other more recent fires in the region were eligible to receive disaster relief payments, Goomalibee had been left out until now.
The eligibility announcement follows months of sustained advocacy from local residents, volunteers and the broader community.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the inclusion of Goomalibee under the joint commonwealth-state disaster recovery funding arrangements was an important and hard-fought milestone for families, farmers and property owners who had been doing it tough for far too long.
“This recognition is overdue, but it is very welcome,” Ms Cleeland said.
The fire in December burnt through farmland at Goomalibee and Goorambat. Photo: Phoenix Aerial
Photo by
Phoenix Aerial
“For months, people in Goomalibee have been rebuilding their lives with limited support while continuing to deal with the emotional and financial toll of this fire.
“This announcement finally acknowledges the scale of what our community went through.”
The newly available assistance will help eligible residents access a range of recovery measures, including emergency relief, clean-up support and the restoration of essential community assets.
Ms Cleeland said the outcome was the result of persistent local advocacy.
“This has been driven by the strength and determination of the Goomalibee community and the tireless work of local volunteers who refused to let their town be overlooked,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I particularly want to acknowledge the local leaders and volunteers who kept pushing for recognition when it would have been easier to give up.”
While welcoming the announcement, Ms Cleeland said recovery was far from over.
“Many local families and primary producers are still carrying significant costs from this fire,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for further targeted support, particularly for our farming community, to ensure Goomalibee is not left behind during the long recovery process.”
Ms Cleeland encouraged affected residents to seek advice on the assistance available and to register for support through recovery services.
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