Thursday, 22 February 2024
Questions without notice and ministers statements
Ministers statements: fire and storm events
Ministers statements: fire and storm events
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:10): I rise to update the house on the extreme weather events that are being experienced across the state. As I speak, we have emergency services personnel responding to a number of fires, particularly in the west of the state. I have just before question time today received advice from the emergency management commissioner Rick Nugent that there is a significant fire moving very quickly in the proximity of Warrak near Buangor. Commissioner Nugent has advised me that the fire has moved through a forested area, burning at least 1000 hectares, and is spotting more than 600 metres ahead of the fire front.
In addition to the work of crews on the ground, aerial assets have been deployed in the air as the focus moves to asset protection in the local area. At 12:58 today an ‘Emergency warning – fire – leave immediately’ alert was issued for the area, and just before question time at 1:11 a ‘Watch and act – prepare to evacuate’ went to areas further ahead of the fire. Plus we know that there is a wind change coming through the area later today and into the evening, which will add to the challenges being experienced by crews on the ground and in the air. I also advise that a relief centre has been established in the area of Beaufort, and I acknowledge the member for Ripon for already reaching out and making contact with the local government to provide them with support.
Today was predicted to be another very difficult day of extreme fire risk and wind associated with that. The State Control Centre team have been activated to tier 3 and are deploying assets, as we have seen already, across the state. There is a role for all of us too to make sure we have got the VicEmergency app, to make sure we are aware of our surroundings and to follow the advice of the warnings. Also, please do check on any family, friends or neighbours who you think may be vulnerable to either the fire front that is moving or the extreme heat.