Temporary accommodation (on property)
The Temporary Accommodation Supports Program is for individuals or families that were affected by the January 2026 bushfires, have no insurance or are underinsured and have nowhere to live. It provides a temporary place to stay while your properties are repaired or rebuilt.
On-site temporary accommodation options may be available for up to 3 years. You may be eligible for temporary accommodation if you:
- cannot return home because it is damaged or destroyed; and
- do not have building or contents insurance or are underinsured; and
- have no alternative accommodation options.
Temporary accommodation options may include:
- a caravan or modular home placed on your property or at another agreed location
- a rent relief grant to help you pay for rental accommodation.
Recovery support officers will work with you to understand your needs.
How to access Emergency Recovery Support
Emergency Recovery Support can be accessed via:
- The Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. Press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.
Other temporary accommodation
Some insurance companies will also provide rental accommodation, and other people may choose to live temporarily on their own property.
Temporary accommodation allows for immediate shelter while you seek the appropriate permissions to undertake construction for permanent accommodation. This can include cabins, sheds and caravans.
All temporary accommodation requires Council approval.
Am I eligible for temporary accommodation?
You are eligible for temporary accommodation if your legally constructed principal place of residence was destroyed or damaged by the January 2026 bushfire.
What are the requirements?
Temporary accommodation can only be placed on the affected property.
Whatever your temporary accommodation looks like, it must be structurally adequate and must include:
- all weather access
- a safe potable water supply
- an electricity connection, or an alternative source to meet basic living and safety needs
- operating smoke alarms
- It must contain, or have access to on the same property:
- a toilet
- washing and bathing facilities
- a food preparation area
- The total floor area of temporary accommodation allowed is 60 square metres. Council may approve an increased floor area if required.
How long can I live in temporary accommodation?
You can set up temporary accommodation on your site within 18 months of your original home being damaged or destroyed.
You can live in temporary accommodation for a maximum of three years.
Does temporary accommodation need permission?
Yes. Council needs to ensure that your temporary accommodation is safe and fit for living.
You will need to provide:
- your address
- a description of the temporary accommodation
- a full copy of title
- a site plan showing the location of the temporary accommodation and vehicular access
- The site plan can be hand drawn. It does not need to be to scale, but must show distances from boundaries and driveway length.
- You can obtain a free plan showing your property boundaries and aerial photography from www.mapshare.vic.gov.au/vicplan, or visit one of our
- customer service centres during business hours.
- a basic floor plan including the size of the accommodation
- details of how wastewater will be managed
How do I submit the required documents?
Documents for temporary accommodation can be submitted:
Dealing with your wastewater is important for your health and safety
A licensed plumber inspection report is required if you are using an existing wastewater system, including the system's location, type, size, and condition. If the system is damaged beyond repair, further approvals are needed for alterations or replacements to prevent risks and comply with regulations. Council’s Environmental Health Officer may conduct site inspections to ensure compliance and safety. Short-term alternative measures
may be permitted while works are carried out to ensure the system is safe.
If you have any questions, please call Council’s Planning Unit on 5772 0333.
Murrindindi Council Temporary Accommodation Factsheet(PDF, 33KB)
DFFH Temporary Accommodation Support Program Factsheet(PDF, 77KB)