Please note: this is an old article
It was published in April 2013, so the information may be out-of-date.
People in Greater Shepparton affected by the severe thunderstorm and tornadoes that affected the region on Thursday 21 March may be eligible for disaster relief assistance, Greater Shepparton City Council advised residents this week.
Relief and recovery assistance is available to eligible people under the jointly funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
“While the damage was not as widespread in Greater Shepparton as in neighboring shires such as Moira and Corowa, a number of properties were affected, particularly around the Shepparton Violet Town Road,” said Cr Jenny Houlihan, Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor. “It may be some time before the extent of the damage can be fully assessed.”
“People looking for advice about their eligibility for financial assistance should contact the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232,” Cr Houlihan said. Information about the Personal Hardship Assistance Program is also available at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency.
“I also advise anyone who has had property damage to review their insurance to see if they can make a claim.”
One home in Greater Shepparton was severely damaged and damage occurred to a small number of other homes and farm structures including rural fencing. The storms cut swathes through many North East Victorian communities. Council workers and emergency services were kept busy in Greater Shepparton clearing trees and debris from roads, mostly along the Shepparton Violet Town Road.
“We were fortunate that the storms weren’t focused on a more densely populated area in our region or more homes would undoubtedly have been lost,” Cr Houlihan said.