An invitation to see first hand the impact of fires at Stewarton, Lake Rowan and Bungeet was extended to her by Member for Euroa Steph Ryan.

Ms Ryan said yesterday Ms Garrett’s office had indicated the visit was likely next Wednesday.

Ms Ryan and Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy last week called on the Victorian government to introduce low-interest loans for people affected by fires in December and earlier this month at Stewarton, near Benalla, Lake Rowan and elsewhere around the state.

Both the Victorian Farmers Federation and Ms Ryan yesterday welcomed a joint announcement by the state and federal governments of concessional interest rate loans up to $200,000 made available for primary producers directly affected by recent fires.

“The massive clean-up and recovery that is now required, particularly in the Stewarton and Lake Rowan areas, will be greatly assisted by this additional support,” Ms Ryan said yesterday.

VFF livestock president Ian Feldtmann said the announcement was welcome relief for farmers who had had a tough time during the past month.

“This funding will be critical for primary producers in their recovery effort to rebuild fence lines, sheds and recover lost machinery,” he said.

“We commend both the state and federal government for realising the severity of the December and January bushfires and for acting quickly.”

The Benalla, Wangaratta, Moira, Strathbogie and Ararat councils will get natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements assistance.

“Ms Garrett has accepted my invitation to talk to residents,” Ms Ryan said.

“Many feel that their voices have not been heard by the government.”

Mr McCurdy said some farms lost unharvested grain along with thousands of dollars worth of livestock, feed and fences.

“This is a particularly cruel blow, especially for those who lost much of last year’s grain harvest after severe frosts,” he said.