The first of these rounds, the Housing Rebuild Permit Program, is now open to fire-affected residents across Strathbogie and Mitchell shires.
As part of the program, eligible applicants can claim a rebate of up to $500 on planning permit applications for the replacement of fire-damaged residences, and up to $300 for permits related to septic tanks.
“The permit application process is understood to be an essential part of the rebuilding journey,” SDRF community advisory committee member Don Cook said.
“Subsidising these fees for people simply wanting to reinstate what’s been lost is a small measure with a big impact.”
The program is the first of several support initiatives that the SDRF is introducing in the coming weeks.
Other programs include funding for local volunteer CFA brigades, working with local schools on initiatives that will support students’ mental health and wellbeing, and assistance that will ease financial pressures on impacted families.
SDRF members will also consult with the community recovery committees established in Mitchell and Strathbogie shires to identify priority needs among fire-affected residents and communities.
Mr Cook said the $1 million milestone built on the SDRF’s earlier work distributing around $250,000 to more than 170 individuals and households through its Rapid Response Grants, which put money in the hands of affected households to cover immediate expenses within two months of the fires.
“What we know from the community recovery committees, and the conversations they’re having with their residents, is that grant and funding support is still vital in enabling them to practically move forward,” he said.
“The SDRF hears that loud and clear and is endeavouring to address these needs in tangible ways — albeit marginally in the scheme of the rebuild still to come.”
While reaching $1 million is no small achievement, the SDRF is urging further contributions ahead of the coming fire season to help sustain the rebuild and support the many across the region still doing it tough.
For more information, visit strathbogiedisasterrelief.com
