Support is available for farmers in fire recovery

9 June 2026

Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are encouraged to check what support they may be eligible for to help with recovery.

Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said recovery from fires can take months or years and support is still available.

‘Recovery doesn’t stop when the fires are out. For many farmers, the real work is just beginning,’ Mr Tuohey said.

‘Farmers have been getting on with the job and may not realise what support is available to ease some recovery pressures.

‘I encourage anyone affected to take a moment to see what’s available. You might be eligible for assistance that can make a real difference.’

Financial assistance available includes:

• Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises. Funding can be used for essential recovery activities such as rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations
• Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 are available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, while loans of up to $100,000 will support those experiencing a major loss of income. This assistance will help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent, and fodder.

Applications can be made at Rural Finance.

‘Reaching out can ease some of the pressure. There are people ready to help,’ Mr Tuohey said.

Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground in local communities, partnering with local shires and other support services, to provide farm management information, and chat with farmers, their families and the community.

Staff are also at events providing farmers with technical information on a wide range of topics including managing and feeding livestock, pasture recovery, managing and protecting farm water supplies, farm mapping and re-fencing.

Farmers can access free, independent support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, including wellbeing support, financial counselling and assistance with grant and loan applications.

To speak with a counsellor or access wellbeing support, call 1300 771 741.

For more information visit the Bushfires page or call 136 186.

Media contact: Makayla Rimington, media@deeca.vic.gov.au

Phone: 0473 914 662