State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the management was in stark contrast to previous disaster recovery efforts, where universal clean-up programs had been implemented.
Ms Cleeland and state Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad are calling on the government to urgently extend free tip disposal for fire-impacted communities impacted by recent bushfires, as the current support program was due to end on May 12.
“For more than a decade, the precedent after major bushfires has been a universal clean-up program,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Following the Black Summer bushfires, more than 600 properties were cleaned up within six months. Yet after the January fires, only 28 homes have been entirely cleaned up in more than four months.
“Contractors have alleged invoices were being pushed into the next financial year, while residents are left living among debris and devastation.”
Ms Cleeland said the Insurance Council of Australia had also criticised the state-run clean-up model, adding further weight to community concerns.
“The free tip disposal must be extended so that residents who have been deemed ineligible, or who have experienced a delayed and substandard clean-up process, are not left paying the price for government failures,” she said.
“Many families are still sifting through what’s left after these fires, clearing burnt infrastructure and trying to recover emotionally and financially.”
Ms Broad said regional communities had shown incredible resilience throughout the recovery, but practical support was still desperately needed.
“Many landholders are still clearing debris and burnt materials from their properties while trying to rebuild and get back on their feet,” Ms Broad said.
“Extending this program is a straightforward and sensible step that would make a real difference for people already under significant financial and emotional pressure.”
Ms Cleeland said recovery timelines should be guided by community need, not administrative deadlines.
“We will continue fighting to ensure bushfire-affected communities are not forgotten once the headlines fade,” she said.
