The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has called on the State Government to urgently extend the free waste disposal program for bushfire victims until the end of the year.
Ms Broad said many fire victims still had large amounts of debris to be cleared and the current system is due to expire on May 12.
The program enables bushfire impacted property owners and tenants to dispose of waste for free at their local tips and transfer stations.
“This program is providing a vital option for many people with no other way to clear their properties,” Ms Broad said.
“The Government’s Clean-Up Program for uninsured or underinsured properties has been fraught with significant delays and people need more time to clean up. Some have been delayed for so long that they have opted out of the program altogether.
“These fire victims genuinely need the option of free waste disposal.”
Ms Broad is a member of the Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee conducting the current inquiry into the 2026 summer bushfires. The inquiry has held a series of face-to-face hearings in the past two weeks.
“We have heard some heart-breaking stories from people who were directly impacted by these catastrophic fires, and the recovery will take quite a while,” Ms Broad said.
“A key part of this recovery is clearing the debris from the fires which, in itself, can be very distressing. At the same time, people are trying to secure temporary accommodation ahead of winter.
“I have heard from people who are very distressed as this is another level of pressure added to an already traumatic time,” Ms Broad said.
“It’s vital that the State Government extends this program until the end of the year.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
