Victorian Bushfire Support for Primary Producers

$75,000 Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants

Grants of up to $75,000 are now available to primary producers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, to assist with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of primary production enterprises, that have suffered direct damage.

Key points:

• Applications open now and close 4:00 pm, 21 October 2026.
• Funding supports costs such as:
• engaging a tradesperson to conduct a safety inspection of damage to a property, premises or equipment;
• hiring and leasing equipment, or purchasing materials to clean a property, premises or equipment;
• purchasing, hiring or leasing equipment or materials that are essential for immediately resuming operation of the primary production enterprise, including pumps and generators;
• removing and disposing of debris, damaged goods and material, and injured or dead livestock;
• Maximum grant: $75,000, available in two tiers:
• Tier 1: Up to $10,000 upfront – evidence of damage required (photos, quotes, reports). Receipts not required at application, but must be retained.
• Tier 2: Up to $65,000 – tax invoices and receipts required, including for Tier 1 amounts if not previously provided.
• Up to three claims can be made (additional claims considered case by case).
• Eligibility requires:
• A primary production enterprise
• Located in a declared disaster area
• Direct damage from the bushfires

Eligible Local Government Areas include:
Alpine, Ararat, Benalla, Campaspe, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington, Wodonga, and Yarra Ranges.

$250,000 Concessional Loans

Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are now available to primary producers directly impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, to assist with restoring and/or replacing damaged assets and/or for working capital expenses that cannot be met due to a loss of income.

Key points:

• Applications open now and close 4:00 pm, 21 October 2026.
• Loan amounts:
• Up to $250,000 for significant asset damage
• Up to $100,000 for significant loss of income
• Maximum total loan per applicant is $250,000, assessed based on financial need and insurance recoveries.
• Purpose of funding:
• Asset replacement/restoration (plant, equipment, buildings, livestock, replanting)
• Working capital (wages, bills, rent, rates, fuel, fodder, water, transport of livestock/produce)
• Cannot be used to refinance existing loans
• Eligibility requirements include:
• Be a primary producer with an ABN
• Derive at least 50% of gross income from primary production
• Located in a declared disaster area
• Suffered significant asset damage or income loss due to the bushfires
• Intend to continue the enterprise in the same LGA
• Demonstrate long-term viability and capacity to repay
• Provide adequate loan security
• Loan terms:
• Concessional interest rate for up to 5 years (2.14% for year ending 30 June 2026)
• Reverts to commercial rates after the concessional period
• No application fees (security and statutory costs apply)
• Annual reviews required with updated financial information
• Eligible Local Government Areas include Alpine, Ararat, Benalla, Campaspe, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington, Wodonga and Yarra Ranges.

 Contact our officer to learn more (03)58333000