Tuesday, 4 February 2025

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (14:07): (1322) My question is for the Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery. Recently I received correspondence from the Horsham Rural City Council with regard to their ineligibility for the state government’s disaster relief funding after the recent bushfires in the region. Though Horsham Rural City Council has not yet been directly impacted by the blazes, families and businesses have suffered terribly from the loss of tourist traffic over the holiday season. Just this weekend residents near the Grampians and Little Desert national parks were again told to evacuate amid increased fire activity. These communities have not had a break. Minister, will you ensure adequate and equitable funding for all rural councils affected by the Grampians and Little Desert fires?