Disaster assistance for Tasmanian bushfire affected communities

23 February 2025

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments are working together to support communities affected by the ongoing bushfires on the State’s West Coast.

Jointly funded assistance under the

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will support local communities and councils in Circular Head, Kentish, Meander Valley, Waratah-Wynyard and West Coast.

Impacted residents in the eligible LGAs can apply for a suite of jointly-funded grants, including the Emergency Assistance Grants, which provide funding for bushfire impacted Tasmanians to buy food, water and other essential items.

Recovery and Restoration Grants are also available to support households to re-establish a principal place of residence to a basic, minimum standard.

Councils will be able to access funding to help clean up and undertake emergency repairs, as well as the reconstruction of essential public assets.

Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said the Australian and Tasmanian Governments are committed to supporting communities through this event and into recovery.

“I want to acknowledge the first responders and emergency personnel out there working hard to keep communities safe in very trying circumstances," Minister McAllister said.

“This is an ongoing event and it will be some time before we know the full impacts, but we know that these bushfires have affected several communities across the State.

“We will continue to work closely with the Tasmanian Government to support Tasmanians.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff thanked emergency responders, including interstate and international teams deployed to assist in the response, for their efforts to keep communities safe.

“We will continue to work with all levels of Government and across Government agencies to ensure that we can get the best response for the community in these difficult circumstances," Premier Rockliff said.

“I thank the Australian Government for their commitment to support Tasmanian communities in the recovery process. We will continue to work together to support impacted communities."

For more recovery information on the West Coast Bushfires, including information on the Emergency Assistance Grants, visit TasRECOVERY.com.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.