The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, and Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad MP, are calling to urgently extend free tip disposal for communities impacted by recent bushfires, with the current support program due to end on 12 May.
The MPs say it is deeply concerning the program is set to finish while many households, farmers and landholders are still in the middle of clean-up and recovery efforts following the devastating fires.
The call comes as serious concerns continue to grow around the Allan Labor Government’s clean-up program, which Ms Cleeland labelled “dysfunctional”.
During the recent bushfire inquiry, Emergency Recovery Victoria’s CEO revealed just 28 homes, out of more than 300 eligible properties, had been fully cleaned up more than four months after the January bushfires.
Ms Cleeland said this was in stark contrast to previous disaster recovery efforts, where universal clean-up programs had been implemented.
“For more than a decade, the precedent after major bushfires has been a universal clean-up program,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Following the Black Summer bushfires, more than 600 properties were cleaned up within six months. Yet after the January fires, only 28 homes have been entirely cleaned up in more than four months.
“Contractors have alleged invoices were being pushed into the next financial year, while residents are left living amongst debris and devastation.
“Following intense questioning from Nationals MPs during the bushfire inquiry, the extent of the dysfunctional clean-up program was laid bare.”
Ms Cleeland said the Insurance Council of Australia had also criticised the state-run clean-up model, adding further weight to community concerns.
“The free tip disposal must be extended so that residents who have been deemed ineligible, or who have experienced a delayed and substandard clean-up process, are not left paying the price for government failures,” she said.
“People are currently being hamstrung by the slowness of the State Government’s clean-up program.
“Many families are still sifting through what’s left after these fires, clearing burnt infrastructure and trying to recover emotionally and financially. Ending free tip disposal now simply does not reflect the reality on the ground.”
Ms Broad said regional communities had shown incredible resilience throughout the recovery, but practical support was still desperately needed.
“Many landholders are still clearing debris and burnt materials from their properties while trying to rebuild and get back on their feet,” Ms Broad said.
“Extending this program is a straightforward and sensible step that would make a real difference for people already under significant financial and emotional pressure.”
The MPs are jointly urging the State Government to extend the free tip disposal arrangements for a further period to ensure bushfire-affected residents have adequate time to complete clean-up efforts without being burdened by additional costs.
Ms Cleeland said recovery timelines should be guided by community need, not administrative deadlines.
“Our communities have shown remarkable strength and resilience, but they deserve support that matches the scale and duration of the recovery challenge,” she said.
“We will continue fighting to ensure bushfire-affected communities are not forgotten once the headlines fade.”
Media Contact: Nathan Tolliday nathan.tolliday@parliament.vic.gov.au or 0497 253 582
