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Financial assistance to repair and rebuild Victorian homes impacted by the October 2022 Floods

Was your home damaged by the October 2022 Victorian floods? You could be eligible for a rebate from the Victorian State Government to assist you to repair or rebuild your home.

Under the Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme for Flood Recovery the Victorian State Government is offering up to $3,000 to eligible Victorian homeowners.

How do I know I am eligible?

You are eligible to apply if:

• Your house was impacted by the October 2022 Victorian floods
• You are the homeowner (not renting)
• You require a planning and/or building permit to repair or rebuild your house
• You have not accessed a rebate for the same service under a different rebate scheme

If you are found to be eligible, a payment will be made to you to the amount shown in the receipt(s) you provide in your application up to a total of $3,000.

What will be funded in the Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme for Flood Recovery (Victorian October 2022 floods)?

Some examples of what will be funded include:

• Preparation of a concept plan
• Architectural plans
• Preparation of a planning permit application report
• Technical reports (bushfire planning, flood or hazard assessments etc)
• Land surveys
• Title documents
• Geotechnical assessments
• Engineering reports or equivalent
• Arborist reports
• Planning consultant fees
• Building permit fees

What will not be funded?

Some examples of what is not eligible for funding are:

• Work not associated with your repair or rebuilding of the house (such as fences, swimming pools, sheds)
• Purchase of land and conveyancing services
• Building or repair work

What is a Planning Permit?

A planning permit provides permission to develop or use land in a particular way. You may require a planning permit for a new home, extension, renovation, or an additional dwelling on the land. The local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit. If you need a planning permit, it must be issued by your local council before you can obtain a building permit. You can contact the council to discuss the need for a planning permit or you may need to engage an independent town planner to determine if you need a planning permit for your building project. In the first instance, contact your local council.

What is a Building Permit?

Building permits are documents certifying that a proposed building complies with the relevant building regulations. A building permit is a written approval by a private or municipal building surveyor. You may need to discuss the need for a building permit with your local council. It allows the building work to be undertaken according to the approved plans, specifications and other relevant documentation.

A building permit provides you with protection by ensuring:

• The building practitioners working on your project are registered and carry the required insurance
• Adequate documentation is prepared so the construction can be carried out correctly and according to building legislation
• Key stages of the work are independently inspected
• Your building is suitable for occupation.

For further information see the Victorian Building Authority website: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/surveyors/building-permits

How do I apply?

• Complete the application form
• Provide copies of your supporting documentation and receipts
• Submit your application by 5pm 31 May 2025

What should I include in my supporting documentation?

You should include:

• Proof of your home ownership. such as council rates or title documents.
• Tax invoice or receipts for eligible rebates. This could include receipts for architectural plans, engineering reports, building permit fees etc.
• Proof that your home was damaged due to the October 2022 event. This might be an assessment letter from your Council.

You can find further information in the Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme for Flood Recovery fact sheet.

Submitting your application

Sent your completed form and supporting documentation to Windemere Child & Family Services

Click here to download the application form

By email: 

RecoverySupport@windermere.org.au

By mail:

Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme for Flood Recovery

Windermere Child & Family Services

48 Webb Street

Narre Warren VIC 3805

Please submit your application before 5pm 31 May 2025.

Late and incomplete applications are unable to be accepted.

Who is Windermere?

Windermere is proud to be delivering the Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme for the October 2022 Floods on behalf of the Victorian State Government.

We are a community services not for profit organisation with broad experience partnering with the Victorian State Government to provide recovery support programs to communities impacted by natural disasters such as bushfire, floods and storms. You can find out more about Windermere and what we do. 

Find out more:

Windermere Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme

Call us at (03) 8781 9988

Email: RecoverySupport@windermere.org.au

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