At the Tallangatta Incident Control Centre, I was briefed by officials on the Walwa bushfire.
While the downgrade overnight to Watch and Act will be welcome news to many, it’s still unsafe for residents to return to fire-affected areas.
This bushfire remains out of control and unpredictable.
Firefighters and forest management crews continue to work in extremely challenging terrain to defend their communities. They’re doing extraordinary work.
Further recovery assistance was announced today, including an initial $10 million for clean-up efforts. The Victorian Government is also waiving fees at local landfills to support recovery.
An Emergency Recovery Hotline has been established to support people who are unable to physically attend an Emergency Relief Centre. They can be called on: 1800 560 760.
Grants of up to $52,250 are available for people affected by the fires who do not have building and contents insurance.
Essential services are also being restored. I’ve been briefed by Telstra, whose teams are assessing damage to infrastructure and working to restore coverage. Telstra has also established a Disaster Support Hotline on 1800 888 888.
My team is keeping my website updated with resources as they become available: www.helenhaines.org/resources/bushfire-resources/.
Please continue to monitor the VicEmergency app and follow the advice of emergency services.
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