Relocation payments will be made available to assist eligible local residents in Morwell South to temporarily relocate to avoid exposure to smoke and ash from the fires currently burning.
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have agreed to a joint funding package under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements following advice from Dr Rosemary Lester, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
Temporary relocation payments of up to $1,250 per week are available to eligible households under the joint-funding arrangement.
Dr Lester has advised that vulnerable people living in Morwell South, including people aged over 65, young children, pregnant women and people with a pre-existing heart or lung condition, should consider relocation because of the prospect of extended exposure to smoke and ash from the Hazelwood mine fire.
Residents seeking assistance are advised to contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline on 1800 006 468 to make an appointment to speak to a DHS officer at one of the following three locations:
- Department of Human Services Office, 9-11 Hazelwood Road, Morwell
- Commercial Road Primary School, Commercial Road, Morwell
- Senior Citizens Hall, Maryvale Crescent, Morwell.
The Victorian Government is working as a matter of urgency to finalise a range of support initiatives to assist small businesses who have been affected by this emergency.
These initiatives are being put in place through partnerships between the Victorian Government, Commonwealth Government and industry.
The Victorian Government will work in close partnership with businesses in Morwell to ensure that this assistance is targeted to the needs of the local community.