Recovery after Fire – DPI Programs and Assistance
The Department of Primary Industries offers a range of programs to assist rural landholders to recover after fire.
In the wake of the devastating bushfires of February 2009, the Department of Primary Industries has been operating in all affected areas to help landholders with recovery. More than 3000 referrals or requests for advice were attended to by DPI staff in the six months after the fires and further assistance work continues.
Recovery from fire can take years. Programs for eligible rural landholders and communities affected by last years bushfires are listed below.
Current programs
Crown Boundary Fence insurance re-imbursement
A refund of up to $400 of crown boundary fence insurance, for private landholders impacted by the fires, is available.
Location: All fire affected properties (2009)
For more info: Please contact your Rural Recovery Coordinator
Soil Conservation advice
DPI provides advice and training in soil conservation to bushfire victims.
Delivers farm planning services according to land capability.
Advises on methods to stabilise active erosion sites on bushfire affected land
Location: All fire affected properties (2009)
For more info: Penny Richards 97850135
Small farm advice
Field Days, farm walks and one to one advice on restoring fire damaged pastures, fences, etc on small rural properties continue in fire affected areas.
Location: All fire affected properties (2009)
For more info: David Stewart 9785 0173 - New, Small Rural Landholders (SINL) program
Recovery of fisheries
DPI is re-stocking waterways, improving access for anglers and promoting fishing opportunities in fire damaged areas
Location: Murrindindi Shire
For more info: Helping Fisheries Recover from Bushfires
Community liaison officers
Community Liaison Officers work with community recovery committees to help people access recovery assistance and develop recovery project plans to assist rural landholders.
Location: All fire affected properties (2009)
Rural recovery coordinators
Linked to DHS Case Managers, Rural Recovery Coordinators, offer a point of contact for rural landholders to facilitate access to government services, support programs and specialists
Location: All fire affected properties (2009)
For more info: Please contact your Rural Recovery Coordinator
Sustainable farm families
This unique program supports the physical, mental and wellbeing of farmers and their families
For more info: Tracey Harper 58335331
Community awareness of high priority weeds
An awareness campaign is underway to encourage communities in lifestyle and semi urban areas to report suspicious high priority weeds
Location: Statewide
For more info: 136186
Surveillance and reporting of high priority weeds in rural communities affected by fire
A community engagement program is underway to increase surveillance and reporting of high priority weeds in rural communities that are more likely to germinate with post-bushfire bare ground
Location: Statewide
For more info: 136186
Control of priority weeds on roadsides
Burnt roadsides present opportunities to control high priority emerging weeds. This program will work with local government to control priority weeds on roadsides
Location: Targeted in areas where priority weeds have been mapped
For more info: John Matthews 55730731
Control of aquatic weeds
Control of aquatic weeds in storages and waterways managed by water authorities
For more info: Sarah Partington 92174404
Rabbit control
Integrated rabbit control program as burnt land exposes warrens.
Location: Redesdale and Horsham
For more info: John Matthews 55730731
Woody weed and priority weed control on private land
Coordinated through the Blackberry Taskforce, this program is to control woody weed and priority weeds on private land (up to 3000ha).
For more info: Michael Bretherton 57331277
Wild dog control
A baiting program coordinated through wild dog committee programs
For more info: Brian Dowley 51520476
DPI bushfire recovery programs provided after Black Saturday
The needs of landholders immediately after a fire differ from the kinds of support required six months or a year after the event. DPI provided the following programs in the year following the Black Saturday bushfires:
Animal Welfare
DPI staff visited properties to assist landowners to assess the health of livestock, assist with treatment or humane slaughter and advise on burial and salvage. This program was undertaken with the assistance of the RSPCA, local veterinarians and council officers
Emergency Fodder delivery
DPI supported the Victorian Farmers Federation to deliver emergency fodder to areas where insufficient fodder was available for surviving livestock
Rural property loss and damage assessment
DPI staff gathered loss and damage information to enable the preparation of recovery packages and to ensure that the immediate needs of rural landowners were being met.
Referrals and advice
More than 3000 referrals or requests for advice were attended to by DPI staff in the six months after the Feb 2009 fires
Stock Containment pens
DPI worked closely with Catchment Management Authorities to guide the construction of stock containment pens to reduce the chance of soil erosion and help manage the health and well being of stock
Coordination of volunteers to assist with fencing repairs
DPI supported the VFF and local councils to coordinate the efforts of volunteers wishing to assist with boundary fencing repairs. Funding was made available for employing coordinators and hiring equipment / contractors to enable effective use of volunteer time.
