Video highlights call for fair emergency recovery funding model

Murrindindi Shire Council has released a video highlighting the scale of devastation from the January 2026 bushfires, reinforcing its call for a more equitable and impact-based disaster recovery funding model that better reflects the needs of affected communities. 

The video supports Council’s submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 Summer Fires and provides a clear account of the ongoing impacts on residents, primary producers, local businesses and the visitor economy.

Murrndindi was the hardest-hit municipality, with almost one-third of the Shire burnt.  More than 200 homes and 520 outbuildings were destroyed across 22 localities, and around 450 kilometres of Council roads and dozens of bridges were damaged. 

Data shows that Murrindindi suffered close to half of the State’s structural losses in the January 2026 fires. Despite that, Council has received only around 8 per cent of the total government funding which is intended to assist local councils with recovery. 

In reality, that means that neighbouring councils who lost about five per cent – or less - of the number of homes that Murrindindi lost, receive the same funding. Councils who had a handful of roads damaged and trees burnt receive the same funding that Murrindindi did with over 450km of roads impacted. 

Murrindindi Shire Mayor Councillor Damien Gallagher said it is clear that the current funding model does not work and this video highlights the disconnect between impact and resourcing on the ground. 

“Frontline in the disaster, back of the queue in recovery - that has been the experience for Murrindindi,” Cr Gallagher said. 

Cr Gallagher said many residents were still navigating insurance, trauma, uncertainty and the complex path to rebuilding, in a community that has now faced major disasters in 2009, 2022, 2023, 2024 and again in 2026. 

Council continues to work alongside residents and partner agencies to support recovery, with a focus on practical measures to help people rebuild faster and safely.  

These include additional planning and building capacity, waived planning and building fees, support navigating planning requirements and overlays, wastewater system inspections, and access to specialist planning advice. 

“The video shows why communities like ours are calling for a more proportionate and practical approach to recovery support,” he said. 

Council’s submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 Fires includes 15 recommendations to improve disaster preparedness, response and long-term recovery.  

A key issue is the use of uniform funding allocations across councils, which Murrindindi argues does not adequately reflect the scale, geography and complexity of impacts between regions. 

Cr Gallagher said this approach has had real consequences for recovery progress in rural communities. 

“Equal funding did not result in equal outcomes. Where impacts are widespread and communities are dispersed, recovery takes longer and needs more sustained support,” said Cr Gallagher. 

Council is advocating for funding models that are based on verified impact, recognise regional differences, and support recovery over the longer term, not just the immediate response phase.  

Council’s advocacy priorities identify more than $100 million in recovery and rebuilding needs, including support for residents, primary producers, local businesses, tourism and damaged community infrastructure.  

Cr Gallagher said that the scale of recovery now demands partnership beyond the local level.  

“We are inviting government, industry and philanthropy to partner with us, not just to recover, but to build a stronger, more resilient future, because recovery doesn’t happen alone, it happens together,” said Cr Gallagher.  

The video also captures the scale of agricultural and economic loss, including 7,796 livestock lost, 4,861 kilometres of fencing destroyed, damage to orchards and crops, and a $3.47 million drop in spending in just 24 days as visitor numbers fell sharply across towns including Yea, Yarck, Marysville, Alexandra and Eildon.  

Cr Gallagher said the focus of the Inquiry should now be on delivering practical, evidence-based reform.