Joint Media Release: Supporting bushfire-impacted agriculture businesses in central Victoria

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon Julie Collins MP
Federal Minister for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP

The Albanese Labor Government continues to stand with farmers, primary producers and agriculture businesses across central Victoria impacted by bushfires. 
 
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP today joined Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP to inspect agricultural businesses impacted by the recent bushfires, and to reaffirm the immediate support available to the community. 

Starting on the 9th of January 2026, the Ravenswood South – Harcourt fire burnt over 4,000 hectares. 

This destroyed around 54 homes and damaged or destroyed 23 outbuildings – impacting local orchards, vineyards, small family farms, and critical infrastructure. 
 
As part of the visit, Minister Collins and the Member for Bendigo visited the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store, which was destroyed by the recent fires, for a briefing from the Manager, Trevor Peeler. 
 
The Albanese and Allan Governments will deliver $500,000 to accelerate the rebuild of the facility, which stored wine, beer, cider, seed potatoes, apples and produce of more than 90 small businesses.  
 
Minister Collins and the Member for Bendigo inspected the damage at Henry of Harcourt – which was significantly impacted, including the loss of its long-established apple and pear orchards and family’s residence. 
 
With local government a key part of natural disaster response and recovery, Minister Collins and the Member for Bendigo also met with Mount Alexander Shire Council to discuss the region’s long-term recovery arrangements. 
 
The Albanese and Allan Governments have now committed nearly $330 million under joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to support bushfire-affected Victorians, including emergency relief payments, grants for primary producers, access to emergency accommodation, and support for councils.  
 
This includes the Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants, which offer up to $75,000 to eligible applicants to help with clean up and recovery costs. This may include replacing fences and equipment, and disposing of deceased livestock and damaged goods. 
 
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 are also available to help eligible producers with longer-term recovery and rebuilding. This includes restoring or replacing damaged assets and supporting cashflow while farms get back to full production. 
 
For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Rural Finance or call 1800 260 425. 
 
Support is also available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service for people who need help navigating eligibility criteria and applications. 
 
For more information on bushfire recovery support for farmers, visit Bushfires | Agriculture Victoria 
 
Information about broader recovery support is available now on the Emergency Recovery Victoria website: January 2026 Victorian bushfires 
 
If you would like to support communities impacted by these fires, the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) has launched the January 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal: Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2026 – donate now 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

“The devastation from recent bushfires has hit rural Victoria hard, particularly the state’s proud agricultural communities. 

“Central Victoria produces some of Australia’s best food and fibre – from high-quality lamb, wines, apples, berries, and dairy – and we know that each of these industries has been impacted. 

“That’s why it was important to join the Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters to meet with farmers, producers, small business operators and community members in the Mount Alexander Shire to discuss the ongoing recovery in this region. 

“I thank the community for their time, and while recovery will take time, my strong message to our farmers, primary producers and agriculture businesses across rural Victoria is we have your back. 

“The Albanese and Allan Governments are delivering $40 million in direct grants to help cover clean-up and rebuilding costs, plus $250,000 concessional loans for fire affected farmers.”  
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP:  

“Helping rebuild the Harcourt Cool Store is so important in helping the local and much-loved apple, wine, cider and craft beer industry recover from this terrible bushfire” 
 
“Recovery is never a straight line and that is why the Albanese Labor Government will continue to meet community members to discuss how we can best support them through the recovery process.” 
 
“We’re backing in the local producers, farmers and bushfire affected community members.”