Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a state of disaster for 18 local government areas as well as an alpine resort in Victoria, which will give emergency services in those locations extra authority to force people to leave fire affected areas.
Overnight, the premier announced the declaration after receiving advice from the emergency services minister and emergency management commissioner, and reaching an “extraordinary scale and danger”.
The areas included in the declaration are: Alpine Shire, Ararat Rural City, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Greater Bendigo City, Horsham Rural City, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated). Mansfield Shire, Mildura Rural City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Pyrenees Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Towong Shire and Wellington Shire.
“This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas,” Allan said. “But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan with Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch.Credit: Facebook
“The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible. It ensures that every part of government – every department, every agency, every authority – is focused on one priority: protecting life.
“It also means that if someone insists on staying in an area where their life is in danger, authorities have the power to force them to leave. These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating.
“Taking this step is about one thing: protecting Victorian lives. And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave – go.”
