Moira Shire is not included in the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment program.
The fast-moving fire broke out on Friday, January 9, tearing through Yarroweyah, Muckatah and Katamatite, destroying at least 12 structures, many of them homes, and burning more than 1500 hectares of farmland.
“Families were forced to flee for their lives, and in several cases returned to find their homes, sheds and livelihoods destroyed,” Mr McCurdy said.
The Nationals MP said that despite the scale and severity of the fire, affected communities had not been included in the list of localities eligible for disaster recovery payments, which are due to be activated on Wednesday, January 14.
“It is deeply concerning that people who have lost so much are being excluded because of a technical classification,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Whether it is labelled a grass fire or a bushfire makes no difference to the families who have lost homes, income and security.”
Mr McCurdy has formally requested that Yarroweyah, Muckatah and Katamatite, all within Moira Shire, be urgently added to the eligible area declaration and has asked that the issue be raised directly with the federal minister for emergency management.
“These communities experienced the same trauma and damage as nearby areas that have been included,” he said.
Mr McCurdy said the towns may have been excluded because the fire was classified as a grass fire, not a bush fire.
“They deserve equal access to support and a fair, common-sense approach,” he said.
Mr McCurdy also praised the efforts of CFA volunteers, emergency services, local businesses and community members who worked tirelessly to protect lives and support one another during the emergency and early recovery phase.
Moira Shire is included in the Victorian Government recovery programs.
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