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Fire Clean Up Cut Off Extended

People who cleared their fire-affected property during March may now be eligible for reimbursement through the Grocon clean up, Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today.

By Russell Northe - 30th April 2009 - Back to News

Mr Northe said the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction & Recovery Authority (VBRRA) had previously applied a February 27 cut off date to those seeking reimbursement but have this week conceded that the limitation was unreasonable.

"People were simply unaware of the original cut off date partially because details were slow to come out after the Premier’s announcement," Mr Northe said.

Those who initiated their own clean up works during March, following the Premier’s announcement and without knowledge of the February 27 deadline, will now be considered for reimbursement on a case by case basis according to recent advertisements.

"Whilst I am somewhat concerned the VBRRA cannot advise how this case by case assessment will be made I am assured they will endeavour to assist as many people as possible," the Morwell MP said.

Eligibility restrictions have also been relaxed for the many farmers who did not qualify for support under the government’s 51 percent rule.

Mr Northe welcomed the news but said it was disappointing the system continued to operate in a way where the onus was on affected residents to find out about changes and subsequently apply.

"If a needs register was established, fire affected people could be contacted by the authorities and told of their eligibility," Mr Northe said.

"These people are far too busy trying to rebuild their lives to chase government departments and authorities."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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