Walhalla Reopens for Business

Published on 12 February 2019

The historic township of Walhalla is open and welcoming visitors after being declared safe by state authorities.

For much of last week, Walhalla was under fire threat forcing emergency and fire authorities to keep visitors away. Following fantastic work by the CFA, emergency support services and the local community, the town has been declared safe with the main road and local businesses reopen.

Mayor Cr Mikaela Power, East Ward Cr Michael Leaney, CEO Alison Leighton and State Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood visited Walhalla to check in on local residents and businesses – and help spread the word that Walhalla is open once again.

The main road into Walhalla has reopened following assessment by state authorities. On advice from emergency services, some nearby roads and walking tracks may remain closed for community safety.

Baw Baw Shire Council will continue to work closely with residents, surrounding communities and tourism operators to ensure that they have the support they need while recovery continues.

Come and explore Walhalla today, find out more at www.visitbawbaw.com.au/town/walhalla

“Tourism is the major economic driver in Walhalla and we want to let everyone know that we’re open for business! Local operators and traders need the most support following times of crisis when visitor numbers naturally tend to decline. State authorities have declared the region as safe and we welcome all visitors back to beautiful Walhalla.”

“We’re encouraging visitors to come and have lunch in a cafe or at the pub in town, ride on the train, take a tour of the mine or spend a night or two with one of the accommodation providers in this picture-perfect village.”

“It’s very unfortunate that some properties were destroyed last week in the surrounding area of Maidentown including a historic 130-year-old miner’s cottage on the western side of Walhalla. However, we’re looking at the glass half full and know it could have been much worse. Thankfully rain has eased the conditions and no one was injured. We wholeheartedly thank the emergency services for keeping us and our beautiful town safe and miraculously unscathed.”

“It’s great to see businesses back in action following a week of uncertainty and bushfire threat. The Walhalla area has been declared safe by state emergency services who have done a magnificent job of fighting bushfires in the area.” 

“On behalf of Council I’d like to thank the amazing emergency service personnel from the fire fighters, medics, Victoria Police, VicRoads, Melbourne Water and air crews for their continued around the clock efforts to keep our local communities safe. Because of your amazing work, residents, workers and visitors can travel to Walhalla once again.”

Image: East Ward Cr Michael Leaney, CEO Alison Leighton, Mayor Cr Mikaela Power and State Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood visiting Walhalla.