The Federal Government has today announced that direct financial assistance will be provided to the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla local government areas.

From tomorrow, people in the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla areas will be able to apply for financial assistance if they have lost their homes or had their homes severely damaged. Help will also be made available for individuals who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the bushfires.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, welcomed the announcement and said it would provide some relief for people impacted by the Currowan fire.

“Our community has been absolutely devastated by this fire. I have been talking with people impacted by the bushfire at the Ulladulla and Batemans Bay evacuation centres and I know how much people are struggling,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The reopening of the Princes Highway last night after the hard work of emergency services, local councils and local businesses to make the road safe will help to alleviate some of the pressure, however more help is still needed to help get people back on their feet,"

“The Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance will provide much-needed financial help to people impacted by the fire and I am pleased the government has made this available,”

“I will continue to liaise with all levels of government to make sure local people are receiving the support they need,” she said.

Mrs Phillips also thanked all the local fire fighters, emergency services workers and volunteers, as well as community organisations for the amazing work they are doing to fight the fires and support those impacted.

“Our community has pulled together magnificently to address this crisis and I want to thank everyone for their generosity to others,” Fiona Phillips said.

Mrs Phillips encouraged people impacted by the fire to contact Centrelink to check their eligibility.

Claims can be made at www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or by calling 180 22 66.