2026 bushfire resources

Clean-up support

Clean-up help is available for homes, business and community assets in Towong Shire. Register for clean-up support after the January 2026 bushfires by visiting the link below.

Free clean-up support may be available to:

• Homeowners and residents in eligible council areas whose properties were damaged in the January 2026 bushfires and are uninsured or underinsured.
• Small businesses in eligible council areas with an ABN, bushfire-damaged structures, that are uninsured or underinsured, intend to reopen on site, and meet small business workforce or income criteria.
• Community assets (such as halls and sporting facilities) in eligible council areas that were damaged, are uninsured or underinsured, are open to the public, and provide community benefit.

Prolonged power outage payment

The Victorian and Australian Governments are providing financial relief to households through the Prolonged Power Outage Payment (PPOP) due to the January 2026 bushfire and associated heatwave.

Payments

Payments of $2,380 per eligible residential customer are available for each 7-day period without power up to a maximum of 3 payments.

Eligibility criteria

To receive the payment you must:

• have a residential electricity account that is registered against a national meter identification number (NMI) for the relevant electricity distribution network (electricity account holder).
• be an electricity account holder for a property that:
  • lost power due to the severe weather events occurring in Victoria between 7 January and 10 January 2026; and
  • was without power for 7 days.
• have not applied for, or received a PPOP, for the same NMI in relation to the same period.

If you are eligible, you must make your application by no later than 11.59 pm (AEDT), 31 March 2026.

Before you apply

You will need these details before you apply:

• Full name of electricity account holder
• National Metering Identifier (NMI)
• Bank account to receive payment.

AusNet customers

You can apply:

• online via the web application at www.ausnetservices.com.au/outages/emergency-response
• by phone on 1300 561 171 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).
• in person with AusNet’s community engagement team who are available at some local council relief centres. See www.ausnetservices.com.au/outages/emergency-response for further information on where AusNet are located.

For detailed information, read the Guidelines for Residential Customers at www.ausnetservices.com.au/outages/emergency-response.

For claims related to food spoilage, please see Claims.

Financial support for farmers

The Victorian Government has announced support for primary producers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires. The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants

Grants of up to $75,000 are available to eligible primary producers to help with clean-up and recovery costs following direct damage from the January 2026 Victorian bushfires. This may include replacing fences, plant and equipment, and disposing of deceased livestock and damaged goods.

Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans

Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are available for primary producers who have suffered significant asset damage due to the 2026 Victorian bushfires. Loans of up to $100,000 are also available for those experiencing major income loss as a direct result of the bushfires. Loans can assist with essential recovery costs, including repairing or replacing equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock, and meeting working capital expenses such as wages, rent and fodder.
Applications close at 4pm on 21 October 2026. Eligibility information and application details are available at ruralfinance.com.au.

Other support for farmers

Emergency fodder for farmers

Fodder relief is being directed by the Victorian Farmers Federation. Emergency fodder is being made available for farmers in fire-affected areas via Farmers Federation Victoria. Fodder relief is being provided directly to fire-impacted farmers who are requesting it.

The Victorian Farmers Federation website also has information about Emergency Fodder Transportation Registration and the VFF Disaster Relief Fund.

To request fodder or to register to transport, contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit vff.org.au

If you have urgent animal welfare needs, please call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Essential water replacement

If essential water is taken from your land to fight fires, you can request for it to be replaced. FFMV's Essential Water Replacement Policy makes sure that water needed for homes, livestock, or crops is replaced.

To replace your water, please download and complete the Essential Water Replacement Form.

• Essential water replacement form (PDF, 85.4 KB)
• Essential water replacement form (accessible) (DOCX, 148.7 KB)
• Email the completed form to emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au.

You must request water replacement within 3 months of it being taken from your property. If essential water supplies run out, we will replace the water within 48 hours of your request, as long as it's safe.

For more information, visit Public land recovery on the FFMVic website.

Fencing

Eligible property owners may get support to repair fencing if:

• firefighting or disaster response teams brought about the damage, or
• the fence is on the boundary of National Parks, State Parks or State Forests.

To find out if your damage is eligible for support, you can contact DEECA on 136 186. In most cases, fences not on the boundary of parks or those covered by insurance won’t qualify for support.

Help to clean up your property

The statewide clean up program will let eligible fire-affected homeowners start the recovery process by funding key clean-up activities, like demolition and removal of hazardous materials. This will be available in the impacted LGAs for the principal place of residence for people who are uninsured and under-insured.

Waste disposal fees waived

Residents of Towong Shire may be able to dispose of eligible fire-related waste free of charge, at waste disposal facilities by providing proof of residence, such as a driver licence, through the Victorian Governments waiver program.

Please visit the news section of our website where we will share news of the extension of this waste levy waiver.

Business and insurance support

If your business has been impacted by the fires, Business Victoria provides support and information to help with recovery, including:

• Up-to-date fact sheets with key contacts and guidance for bushfire recovery
• Steps for insurance claims and disputes
• Access to financial support and hardship assistance
• Wellbeing and mental health resources for business owners and staff

For more information, visit the Business Victoria bushfire recovery page.

Mental health and wellbeing

Experiencing a major emergency such as the January 2026 bushfires can have a significant impact on emotional and mental wellbeing. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, unsettled, exhausted, anxious, or uncertain during and after such events. Reaching out for support is a positive and important step in recovery.