Vic fire businesses could get loans

Great Ocean Road businesses are being assessed to find out if they're eligible for disaster relief grants after the devastating Christmas Day bushfires.

Concessional loans of up to $200,000 are available for primary producers and small businesses directly impacted in natural disasters.

Fire destroyed 116 homes in Wye River and closed the Great Ocean Road for more than 10 days.

News of the loans comes after Victoria's Treasurer Tim Pallas had earlier ruled out any financial support for businesses from Lorne to Apollo Bay, which have been affected by the bushfires.

Announcing the loans on Wednesday, a government spokeswoman said eligibility assessments have begun.

"In regards to Wye River fires, assessments of the impact on business need to be completed before any measures can be activated, which is currently occurring," a Victorian government spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Loans of up to $100,000 are available for primary producers and small businesses indirectly affected, as well as grants to assist with clean-up costs.

Earlier, Mr Pallas said support for businesses would not be available.

"We won't be in the business of providing financial support for businesses," Mr Pallas told reporters.

But his office later confirmed state and federal natural disaster recovery arrangements included grants and loans that can be activated to support primary producers and small businesses with recovery.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Wye River on December 29 and said it was a decision of the Victorian government to activate different types of relief.

"There is a category that applies to business loss, so that is a matter for (Premier) Dan (Andrews) and his government and if they choose to do that then we will make our contribution in accordance with the existing arrangements," Mr Turnbull said.

Victoria will provide six new park rangers to help enhance the visitor experience to the Surf Coast.

Mr Pallas said the full extent of the state's recovery costs would be clearer in coming days.

He said the state wanted to drive economic recovery in the region and encourage tourists to return.

A cabinet committee has been set up to oversee recovery works, including in other fire-affected communities Scotsburn and Barnawartha.