The Albanese and Allan Governments are activating disaster assistance for Surf Coast and Colac Otways shires following flash flooding that occurred on Thursday 15 January 2026.
The disaster assistance is being delivered under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support is being provided to councils for the establishment and running of emergency relief centres. Multiple relief centres were stood up in the Surf Coast and Colac Otway shires immediately after the flash flooding, with more than 200 people accessing the relief centre in Lorne in the first two hours.
Funding for emergency accommodation, restoration of essential public assets and counter disaster operations is also included.
Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) will continue to work with Surf Coast and Colac Otway councils to understand any further assistance they need.
Information about relief available for people impacted by the flash flooding is available on the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at disasterassist.gov.au(opens in a new window)or call VicEmergency on 1800 226 226.