December 29th 2024.
Starting tomorrow, those affected by the Grampians bushfire in Victoria will be able to receive emergency disaster payments. The fire, which has been burning for quite some time now, shows no signs of stopping. Today, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Grampians, where an area the size of Singapore has been scorched by the fierce flames.
Albanese announced that workers and sole traders impacted by the fire will be eligible for disaster payments, in addition to 13 weeks of pay. The devastation caused by this fire, particularly during this time of year, is deeply felt. It's a reminder that Australia is a country with harsh conditions, and unfortunately, these extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. The Prime Minister has personally witnessed natural disasters and extreme weather events in every state and territory of the country, which speaks to the severity of the situation.
Currently, there are three fires burning at watch and act levels, affecting various areas. These include the eastern side of the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap and Pomonal, and a bushfire along Long Gully Road to College Road. It is not yet safe for residents to return to these areas. The latest warnings can be found on the official website.
Premier Allan also addressed the ongoing impact of the fire on the agriculture and tourism industries, which have taken a massive hit. She expressed her heartbreak over the loss and damage to the beautiful natural environment of the state. She also emphasized the potential for the fire to continue burning for weeks to come.
The fire was started by lightning on December 6 and has already destroyed 74,000 hectares of farmland, national park, and private property. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, but unfortunately, three homes have been lost. There is also a possibility that more homes may be destroyed as the fire continues to burn.
Despite this devastating situation, most residents have been allowed to return to their homes. However, the Prime Minister had a stern message for those who choose to ignore fire bans and emergency evacuations, referencing a controversial post by Premier Allan on social media. He urged people to use common sense and show respect for those risking their lives to fight the fire.
For more information on the disaster payments, visit MyGov.au or call the Australian government emergency information line. Let's all come together and support those affected by this tragic event.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
