Thanks to

By Dion Teasdale
MEMBERS of the Victorian Bushfire Ministerial Taskforce visited Kinglake last week to inspect the damage caused by the Australia Day-week bushfires.
Minister for State and Regional Development and Bushfire Ministerial Taskforce Chair, John Brumby, was joined by Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, and Seymour MP Ben Hardman.
During the visit, on 2 February, the politicians met and thanked members of the emergency services, and Mr Brumby announced the Bracks Government would extend low interest loans to people affected by the fires.
Mr Brumby said low-interest concessional loans would be made available to residents, small business owners and primary producers who have suffered loss or damage to physical assets as a direct result of the bushfires.
“Low-interest loans will also be extended to include voluntary non-profit organisations which have lost physical assets,” Mr Brumby said.
“Subject to eligibility, a concessional interest rate of 2.6 per cent will apply with a maximum loan period of up to five years.”
Mr Brumby said loans could also be offered for the replacement of lost or damaged structures, livestock, fodder and equipment, where applicants meet criteria.
“Small businesses can access similar loans where they have suffered loss as a result of physical bushfire damage to their property and who are in need of financial assistance,” he said.
Mr Brumby said the concessional loans scheme would be administered by the Rural Finance Corporation on behalf of the government, with loans of up to $100,000 for a single advance, or $150,000 in aggregate.
“Loans of more than $150,000 will be considered in special circumstances,” he said.
After making the announcement, the politicians and Murrindindi Shire Mayor Lyn Gunter were taken on a tour of the fire devastated area by local CFA members and Department of Sustainability and Environment staff.