Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Update On Bogong Complex Fires, 1700 Hrs 23/01/03

Fire plans underway, in preperation for the development of the fire situation

By DSE/CFA - 24th January 2003 - Back to News

Residents in the high country town of Omeo and surrounding districts have spent today preparing their fire plans, attending community meetings and cleaning up around their homes and properties as they wait to see how the fire situation develops.

A mild, calm day has kept the situation quiet today, but Incident Controller Ben Rankin said that fire activity in the Shannonvale and Bundara Valley areas and on Mount Hotham is causing the most concern at the moment.

"The fires are not burning too fiercely today because of the milder conditions, but there is still a threat to property and we’re doing all we can to protect those at risk," Mr Rankin said.

Asset protection continues to be the main focus and is progressing well. Backburning east and west of Hotham resort is underway, 15kms of dozer works have been completed on the Twins Road, south east of Hotham and dozers are now returning to work on the Alpine Road. A mineral earth break 50 metres wide has been established around the town of Benambra.

CFA fire crews are patrolling affected areas, monitoring asset protection, checking water points and availability and working with DSE/DPI crews on mineral breaks, clearing and backburning.

Community meetings at Benambra, Swifts Creek and Dargo today, presented by DSE/DPI and CFA staff have kept residents up to date with the fire situation in their areas, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to the agencies involved in the fire suppression effort.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Sarsfield Fire Brigade launches fundraiser to support Yarck bushfire recovery efforts on 10 February to 10 March 2026
  The Sarsfield Rural Fire Brigade has launched a fundraiser supporting Yarck bushfire recovery, collecting fencing materials, tools, and donations to help residents rebuild and protect livestock after January’s fires.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
  Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
• Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
  Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
  South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised.
• Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
  Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires.