Council continues to work with those affected by the Reads Road fire
Published on 08 February 2018
Council continues to work with various government and industry organisations to support those impacted by the Reads Road fire near Dreeite which occurred on 18 January.
423 hectares were burnt across 16 properties with 2 unoccupied houses, a number of hay sheds, approximately 30 kilometres of fencing and some farm equipment destroyed in the fire. A small number of stock were lost along with essential hay and pasture.
Acting CEO Tony McGann said support continues to be provided by multiple agencies in various ways with the community keen to assist those affected.
“United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are organising extra fodder supplies. Fonterra are offering fencing material and WestVic Dairy along with Rural Financial Services are trying to organise skilled labour to help farmers get fences repaired as soon as possible.
“In collaboration with Department of Health and Human Services, Red Cross and Department of Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Council has developed and circulated information packs about managing a fire impacted property,” Mr McGann said.
Around 200 people attended a community BBQ held at the Alvie sports ground on Monday 29 January to thank firefighters and others who worked hard to protect people, property and animals during the fire.
CFA volunteers and staff from a number of local fire stations, along with Mayor Joe McCracken and Colac Otway Shire Council staff attended the BBQ.
“Members of the community commented it was fantastic to see the community come together to support and acknowledge the great work of those who fought the fire, which was around 200 firefighters at the peak,” Cr McCracken said.
“Without the skills and commitment of those emergency service responders the fire could have been much larger and impacts could have been even worse. On behalf of Colac Otway Shire Council we thank the CFA volunteers for their outstanding efforts.
“Everyone at the BBQ was positive and in good spirits given they’d been through such a difficult time,” Cr Mc Cracken said.
If anyone has questions or needs support regarding managing any aspect of the impact of the fire, please contact Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator Simon Howland on 5232 9400.