Victoria Offers Financial Aid for Victims of ‘Singapore’ Sized Bushfires

A supplied image shows CFA firetrucks near an out of control bushfire in the Grampians National park, Victoria on Dec. 23, 2024. AAP Image/Supplied by CFA

Victoria’s Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has announced emergency relief measures for residents impacted by bushfires in the Grampians region, offering financial assistance to those facing severe hardship.

Carroll confirmed that families and individuals affected by the fires will be eligible for $340 per child and $680 per adult.

These relief measures are designed to help cover the costs of relocation, temporary accommodation, and essential supplies.

The emergency department reported that more than 26,000 emergency alert messages were issued across 34 townships, warning residents of the imminent threat posed by the fires.

The affected areas cover 75,000 hectares—about the size of Singapore—with the fire perimeter extending 300 kilometres. Driven by extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, these fires are among the most severe Victoria has encountered.

The Deputy Premier expressed concern for the emotional and physical toll the fires have taken on Victorians, especially those who had to forgo their Christmas celebrations to escape the danger. “We will wrap our arms around Victorians who have been impacted by the bushfires,” Carroll stated, acknowledging the challenges families have faced.

“Many have packed their cars and taken shelter away from their homes. It’s been an extremely tough time for Victorians.” This financial support is part of a broader effort to provide the resources needed to navigate the crisis.

Carroll assured that support would be available throughout the bushfire season, with financial assistance remaining in place through January, February, and March.

Meanwhile, Premier Jacinta Allan chaired a meeting of the Security Emergency Management Committee to discuss further actions required to support Victorians impacted by the fires.

Emergency Alerts and Fire Risk Remain High

Despite firefighting efforts, new fires ignited overnight due to lightning strikes. Conditions remain dangerous, with dry and windy weather fuelling existing fires and the potential for new blazes.

“New fires can start anywhere and become dangerous quickly,” Carroll warned, urging residents to stay vigilant.

He emphasised the importance of staying informed by downloading the VicEmergency app and tuning into local ABC radio for updates.

Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the VicEmergency hotline at 1800 226 226 or visit one of the emergency relief centres set up in Ararat, Skipton, and Hamilton.

Preparedness and Response Amid Ongoing Fires

Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent confirmed that the fires in the Grampians had caused significant damage, including the destruction of crops, beehives, power lines, and a range of environmental losses.

The fires have also impacted critical infrastructure, including the Mount William telecommunications towers, which serve essential services such as emergency communications, mobile networks, and NBN connections.

“The fires have affected critical infrastructure,” Nugent explained, noting that efforts to restore services were underway.

While one of the towers had been repaired, others, including those supporting NBN and Optus services, were still in need of restoration.

Despite these challenges, fire management teams have been working to contain the fires. Several fires are still active across the state, including those in the Alpine National Park area, where new blazes have ignited due to lightning strikes.

“We continue to do aerial surveillance across the state to identify any new fires that may have started,” Nugent said, stressing the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness as the fires spread.

He confirmed that firefighting teams are now focusing on backburning operations to reduce the risk of the fires spreading further and to gain better control over the situation.

Extreme Heat and Fire Danger Across Australia

The bushfires in Victoria are not isolated. Extreme heat and dangerous fire conditions have been sweeping across eastern Australia in recent days.

Since Christmas Eve, hot, dry, and windy conditions have contributed to bushfires, including the massive blaze in Victoria’s Grampians National Park. Other parts of Australia have also been experiencing record-breaking temperatures.

Birdsville, in Queensland, recorded the nation’s highest temperature on Boxing Day, reaching 47.2 degrees Celcius, while Moomba in South Australia recorded 45.5 degrees Celcius.

The heatwave, which has been driving bushfire activity, is now shifting northeast. Sydney is bracing for extreme fire danger ratings, and western Brisbane could see temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celcius this weekend.

While a cool change brought some temporary relief to southern states, it did not bring any rainfall, leaving firefighters to contend with ongoing fires in extreme conditions.

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain alert and stay updated on local fire warnings.