VIC Tax & Council Support Highlights Announced Today for Bushfire Areas

Key highlights for Victorian bushfire affected areas announced today:

• Businesses, families, and individuals whose properties have been destroyed or substantially damaged by bushfires will receive ex-gratia relief for their 2020 land tax assessment. Land tax will be also be waived on eligible properties being used to provide free accommodation for people who need it.

• For people who decide not to rebuild in their local community, the Government will provide up to $55,000 in stamp duty relief if they buy a home elsewhere.

• For people who lost motor vehicles due to bushfires, they can receive up to $2,100 in ex-gratia relief from the duty on up to two replacement vehicles.

• The State Revenue Office has suspended land tax assessments in affected areas, and will continue to support businesses in fire-affected areas.

• $7.3 million provided to Councils to put in place dedicated local teams to coordinate and drive bushfire recovery efforts. Each council will set up a Bushfire Recovery Directorate for twelve months to oversee bushfire recovery, focusing on rebuilding and planning, economic development, support for the farming and primary production sectors, and the ongoing well-being of community members.

• A temporary 3-month increase in allowances for mayors and councillors in the Alpine, Towong and East Gippsland Shires.

Read the full Press Release.