Council thanks emergency services and urges residents to prepare

Published on 06 October 2023

Baw Baw Shire Council would like to thank the hard-working emergency services personnel who have supported and protected the communities of Erica, Rawson, Walhalla and surrounds – as well as communities further east in Gippsland – amidst a challenging week of bushfires and flooding.

The CFA (particularly the Erica & District Fire Brigade), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV), the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and the Victorian Police have all played instrumental roles in keeping people safe as the bushfire near Rawson peaked at 170 hectares.

The fire resulted in the closure of Walhalla Road, cutting off access to the town, disrupting waste collection services and limiting locals' access to supplies.

However, thanks to the tireless efforts of emergency services personnel and favourably wet weather conditions, the fire was brought under control and there were no impacts to private property, buildings or infrastructure.

The road to Walhalla has now been reopened and the popular tourist destination is very much open for business in time for the weekend.

“On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council and members of our community, I want to thank the incredible emergency services personnel and volunteers who give their time and put themselves on the line to keep us safe – both right here in Baw Baw and elsewhere in Victoria,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe.

“A fire like this so early in the season is a timely reminder to all residents that it is never too early to prepare their properties and bushfire readiness plans,” says Deputy Mayor and Walhalla resident Cr Michael Leaney. “The best things people can do to help our emergency services, in addition to volunteering themselves, is to clean up their properties and have a prepared and practiced bushfire plan in place.”

CFA District 9 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Emma Conway agrees with the sentiments. “Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world so it’s vital to plan ahead,” she says. “Make sure your household has a Bushfire Survival Plan. We have lots of great resources available for residents at the CFA website. For those who would like to get involved more directly and help the CFA, our brigades are recruiting now. If you would like to to give us a hand, we would love to hear from you.”

For more information about how you can prepare your property for fire season, please visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.

To learn how you can support your local CFA visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.