Contractors running fire clean-up to meet with Corryong residents

More than 400 property owners in the North East and East Gippsland have registered for the clean-up of buildings and structures, which is being jointly-funded by the state and federal governments.

Grocon, which undertook clean-up following Black Saturday, has been contracted to lead the program and will meet with residents tonight from 7pm to 9pm at the community recovery centre on Donaldson Street.

It comes as a North East Agriculture Recovery Manager has been appointed by Agriculture Victoria to co-ordinate long-term support for farmers.

Greg Ferrier will oversee a transition from a drop-in centre that has been operating since January 13 at the neighbourhood centre.

"Around 180 people have called in to the drop-in centre since it opened," Mr Ferrier said.

"Predominantly inquiries have been around feed budgeting, pasture recovery, erosion and sediment control and grant information.

"The current drop-in centre will remain operational this week and will transition to a multi-agency Recovery Hub arranged by Towong Shire."

Through the drop-in centre and general site visits over the past month, Agriculture Victoria has made contact with 407 property owners.

Mr Ferrier said staff aimed to give practical advice.

"Agriculture Victoria has been running sediment fencing field days and demonstrations at Cudgewa and Corryong," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"A fire erosion control field day on February 12 and a pasture recovery day on February 25 will be held at Cudgewa."

Fencing remains a big task with government and volunteer support continuing.

The clean-up program, which will use local providers where possible, is about structures damaged beyond repair rather than fencing.

To apply for the clean-up program, call Bushfire Recovery Victoria on 1800 560 760, or in NSW, call Service NSW on 13 77 88. Farmers can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.