McCurdy calls for urgent disaster support for Yarroweyah fire victims

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has written to the Minister seeking urgent assistance for communities impacted by the devastating Yarroweyah fire in northern Victoria.

The fast-moving fire broke out on Friday 9 January, tearing through Yarroweyah, Muckatah and Katamatite, destroying at least 12 structures, many of them homes, and burning more than 1,500 hectares of farmland.

Mr McCurdy said residents were given “leave immediately” warnings and forced to evacuate with no opportunity to save belongings.

“Families were forced to flee for their lives, and in several cases returned to find their homes; sheds and livelihoods destroyed,” he said.

Despite the scale and severity of the fire, Mr McCurdy said affected communities have not been included in the list of localities eligible for disaster recovery payments, which are due to be activated this week.

“It is deeply concerning that people who have lost so much are being excluded because of a technical classification,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Whether it is labelled a grass fire or a bushfire makes no difference to the families who have lost homes, income and security.”

Mr McCurdy has formally requested that Yarroweyah, Muckatah and Katamatite, all within the Moira Shire, be urgently added to the eligible area declaration and has asked that the issue be raised directly with the Minister for Emergency Management.

“These communities experienced the same trauma and damage as nearby areas that have been included,” he said.

“They deserve equal access to support and a fair, common-sense approach.”

Mr McCurdy also praised the extraordinary efforts of CFA volunteers, emergency services, local businesses and community members who worked tirelessly to protect lives and support one another during the emergency and early recovery phase.

“The community showed remarkable strength and resilience,” he said. “Now they need certainty, recognition and support to help them recover and rebuild.”