Payroll tax will be reduced in Victoria for fire-affected businesses

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced $64 million in initiatives on Monday including waiving water rates for 12 months for all homes or businesses destroyed or significantly damaged by fire.

Further, those who were evacuated and are in special circumstances, can request a $50 rebate to be applied to their next quarterly bill.

There will be immediate regional payroll tax relief in "State of Disaster" areas, so that regional employers only pay 25 per cent of the metropolitan rate.

This means the rate for employers in Wangaratta, Towong, Alpine, and the Alpine resorts will be 1.212 per cent.

Stamp duty will halved for any person or business buying commercial or industrial property in those disaster-declared areas, and a $10 million assistance fund for affected councils will be co-ordinated by Bushfire Recovery Victoria.

Eligible councils will be able to determine how best to allocate their funding, which may include rate relief for residents and businesses if they choose.

Mr Andrews spoke of the reduced patronage experienced by businesses in the North East, with Bushfire Recovery Victoria Chair Ken Lay.

"There has been really significant impact on their taking, on their businesses, as they look to the future," he said.

Meanwhile the Victorian Bushfires Case Support Program has been launched and is available for people affected by fire in North East Victoria, as a single point of contact for support and advice, at 1800 560 760.

It's also the contact point to register for the clean-up program.

Grocon has been contracted by the state government to cover demolition and disposal of buildings, without charge to property owners.

Earlier:

Regional employers will pay only 25 per cent of the payroll tax rate paid by their counterparts in metropolitan areas under a Victorian government package.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Bushfire Recovery Victoria Chair Ken Lay have announced a $64 million package that includes the payroll tax relief in areas affected by a disaster declaration.

The government will also give a 50 per cent concession on stamp duty intended for businesses relocating into communities, waive water rates for 12 months on homes or businesses destroyed or damaged, and put small business advisers in relief centres.

A $10 million Council Assistance Fund, administered by Bushfire Recovery Victoria, will give local governments in State of Disaster areas access to funding for people who have damaged or destroyed property, support businesses subject to annual charges or permits, or to waive other fees or charges.

$500,000 for grants to regional industry groups and chambers of commerce to facilitate vital networking events, tourism opportunities and pro-bono business partnerships.

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