Financial aid pledged

"At the worst of times Australians show the best of their character," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said shortly before New Year while touring the bushfire incident control centre in Horsham.

By Rosalea Ryan

"What we see consistently is that Australians help each other out when times get difficult," he added, praising the firefighters both paid and voluntary who had converged on the Grampians from across Victoria and interstate.

Mr Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited Horsham on December 29 to receive a first-hand briefing on the situation.

During their time with the media, the pair announced that from the following afternoon, December 30, a disaster recovery payment would be available to affected residents.

"This will provide up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders ... who have directly been impacted by this fire event," Mr Albanese said.

"People can get information at mygov.au or through the Australian Government emergency information line on 180 22 66."

Mr Albanese said the payment was "something that has kicked in on top of the other support that we've made available: the hardship payments between the Commonwealth and the Victorian Government, as well as disaster assistance via councils".

"We have the three levels of government all working co-operatively, making sure we work in the interests of this local community that has been so affected by these fires," he said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance for those impacted.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance is providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income as a result of recent bushfires in the Rural City of Ararat, Shire of Macedon Ranges, Shire of Northern Grampians and Shire of Southern Grampians.

VFF president Brett Hosking acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers but highlighted early proactive measures taken by many in the region.

“Early indications suggest widespread stock losses have been kept to a minimum, with the majority of farm impacts being shed losses, destroyed fencing and burnt pastures,” he said.

“For those who have been impacted it’s devastating and we’re continuing to work with the government to ensure support gets to those who need it.

“It never ceases to amaze me how the community pulls together in times like these, especially the truck drivers and companies who are delivering fodder to burnt out farmers off their own back.”

Ms Allan described the situation as "heartbreaking".

"This is a particularly beautiful natural asset in our state," she said.

"It's devastating to see the Grampians burn at any time but particularly in peak summer season, which we know is the key period for people to come and visit.

"I've holidayed here on many, many occasions with my family.

"It's really heartbreaking to see the loss, the damage to the natural environment and also, too, the ongoing impacts on the community.

"Let's remember it was only in February when pretty much half of the houses in Pomonal, not far from here, were lost to fires on another very difficult day."