Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff have so far received 270 requests for fencing assessments, with 80 properties in the areas of Sarsfield, Clifton Creek, Tambo Crossing, Buchan Valley and Wairewa having their assessments completed recently.

FFMVic Bushfire Recovery Manager, Peter West, said: "It is estimated that 940 kilometres of boundary fencing adjoining public land has been impacted by the fires.

"We want our local farmers and landowners to get back on their feet as quickly as possible and completing the on-ground assessments at fire impacted properties is a critical first step."

The Victorian Government will pay half the cost, up to $5000 per kilometre, for materials to repair or upgrade bushfire-damaged fencing that border either a National Park, State Park or Forest.

"The funding gives farmers the flexibility to not just replace their boundary fences with a standard fence, but to upgrade them, making them fire-resistant with concrete posts and better able to exclude pests such as wild dogs.

"We know that clearing fencing that's been damaged by fire is difficult work. It's our job to make sure that we are supporting farmers and landowners as they rebuild. We will be continuing our assessments in the areas of Orbost, Cann River, Genoa and Mallacoota," Mr West said.

The East Gippsland fires were started by lightening on November 21, 2019 and burnt about 1.5 million hectares of public and private land.

An assessment of a property and fence damage must be completed before works are undertaken or any payments can be made. Please call 136 186 to register your details.

A fencing coordinator will contact you to arrange a site assessment and assist you with fencing options available, and the funding and procurement process.

Once assessments are complete, and landowners have signed a funding deed, they will receive payment within one month.

To find out about other assistance available to landowners please visit: www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-victoria or call 1800 560 760.