South Australians who lost their homes and livelihoods in the devastating Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills bushfires are encouraged to apply to receive a share of money donated to the state government's SA Bushfire Appeal.
So far, more than $4 million has been raised from 8500 donations, including $2m pledged by the state government.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink urged affected communities to apply for financial assistance.
"South Australians are standing shoulder to shoulder with the community in their hour of need and I urge those affected to apply for this financial relief," she said.
"The generosity of support for South Australians in their hour of need has been an inspiration, with every dollar from the state government's SA Bushfire Appeal going directly to the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities who need it most.
"It's not too late to get on board this worthy cause and I encourage the community to dig deep."
Funds raised through the SA Bushfire Appeal are paid into the State Emergency Relief Fund, which will be administered by an independent committee to ensure the fair distribution of money to those most in need.
To apply for financial assistance or to donate to the SA Bushfire Appeal, visit www.sa.gov.au/bushfireappeal.
Donations can also be made through the SA Bushfire Appeal Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sabushfireappeal.
RELATED READING: New role to help in economic rebuild after fires
RELATED READING: 'Mammoth' rebuilding effort needed once KI fire contained
The announcement comes as SA Labor leader Peter Malinauskas calls for tax relief packages for communities devastated by bushfires.
He is suggesting the state government to follow the Vic government's lead and waive thousands of dollars' worth of fees and taxes.
Labor is proposing that businesses, families, and individuals whose properties have been destroyed or substantially damaged by bushfires receive:
- ex-gratia relief for their 2020 land tax assessment;
- waiver of Government taxes and charges associated with the first year's registration of a replacement motor vehicle including stamp duty payable on the vehicle's purchase, and the costs of first registration;
- waiver for landfill levies to dispose of bushfire waste;
- waiver for 2020 liquor licensing fees for impacted wineries in the Adelaide Hills; and
- free replacement of documents destroyed in the bushfires (certificates of title, replacement driver's licenses and permits, vehicle registration certificates, number plates, birth and marriage certificates, and so on)
"These are practical and immediate measures for people who are undertaking the heartbreaking task of cleaning up their homes and properties and replacing destroyed property and documents," Mr Malinauskas said.
"We need to ensure these communities have every chance and opportunity to get back to business and start rebuilding as soon as possible.
"The last thing people need to worry about when they are rebuilding after bushfires is the next bill coming in - these measures will go some way to support local businesses and help get residents back on their feet."
Labor provided significant relief from taxes and fees after the 2005 Eyre Peninsula fires.
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
