We know the recent bushfires across Victoria have affected some of our members, their families and communities. If you’ve been impacted, please know that Fruit Growers Victoria is here to help. If you need support, we’ll do our best to assist wherever we can and help point you in the right direction.
Below are some resources that may be helpful during response and recovery:
Bushfire recovery and emergency support
- For recovery support for those affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
- Emergency relief payments are now available for eligible people impacted by the bushfires. If you have immediate relief needs, please check eligibility at: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#january_2026_fires
- For the latest information, warnings and updates, we strongly encourage you to regularly check the VicEmergency website and app.
Orchards and bushfires
Download the - Bushfires in orchards: a guide to preparedness, response and recovery – The guide was published as part of the HIA project Hort Innovation | Developing management strategies to enhance the recovery of horticulture from bushfires (AS19002)
On-farm and livestock support
- Emergency fodder is available for farmers in fire-affected areas. To request fodder, please contact the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) on 1300 882 833 or visit vff.org.au.
- For urgent animal welfare needs, contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
- Farmers can report loss and damage via the Agriculture Victoria Farm Management – Emergency Management Bushfires online reporting form.
Financial and wellbeing support
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) is available to bushfire-affected primary producers, offering free and confidential wellbeing, financial and business support. Call 1300 771 741.
Water taken for firefighting
During a bushfire, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and the CFA may need to take water from private property for firefighting using tankers or aircraft.
If essential water is taken, you can request that it be replaced. Essential water includes water needed for:
- health of residents and pets
- health and productivity of stock
- agricultural and horticultural crops, permanent plantings and intensive industries
More information is available at: https://go.vic.gov.au/3LFFtBJ
Primary Producer Recovery Grants
Primary producers are the backbone of local economies and their recovery is critical after the devastation of these bushfires.
An initial $40 million in grants of up to $75,000 will be provided to eligible primary producers, to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises.
Funding can be used for essential recovery activities such as disposing of livestock, rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations.
Grants will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au.
Concessional Loans for Primary Producers
The Albanese and Allan Governments will also provide a further $10 million in concessional loans to help primary producers recover from the bushfires.
Loans of up to $250,000 will be available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, while loans of up to $100,000 will support those experiencing a major loss of income.
This assistance will further help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent and fodder.
Applications will open as soon as possible and will be delivered by Rural Finance. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available at ruralfinance.com.au.
Source: New Recovery Measures For Fire-Affected Communities | Premier
