Our community knows the unforgiving and unpredictable nature of bushfires all too well.
Living in the bushfire prone Yarra Ranges and neighbouring the dense bushland of Murrindindi and Baw Baw Shires, it is crucial to remain diligent and abreast of emergency situations as conditions can change in a heartbeat.
This was proven with the recent Longwood bushfires which decimated nearby townships, homes, stock, crops and land.
I know many people personally who have lost their homes or who had to wait to see if their homes were still standing – it is a truly awful and emotional time.
Farmers are now desperately trying to keep living stock fed and watered.
With out fencing it is all the more difficult, more so again if they lost their house or equipment shed.
Disposing of deceased stock is heart wrenching.
Access remains difficult with too many smouldering trees falling randomly across highways and roads.
Excavation crews are working round the clock to make the roads safer but for most of last week, access could only be gained through a police and CFA escorted convoy.
This of course slowed the delivery of hay and fuel and return to peoples properties to assess the damage.
With power and phone lines down efforts are hampered somewhat.
My office and I are doing all we can to assist those in need via calls, emails, social media and being out amongst the community. For several days I was glued to my phone trying to sort out problems and streamline processes.
Support efforts are underway as recovery begins. Contact my office if you need assistance and we will help in ironing out any issues.
This has been a stark reminder for many to have an updated bushfire action plan in place to detail what you and your family will do during times of emergency such as this.
Where will you go if ordered to evacuate? What will you pack? Can you bring your animals? And if not, where is the closest relief centre for animals, farm and domestic animals? Will you stay to defend your home?
If you do, do you have the required equipment and plans to be as safe as possible?
It is imperative you know your choices.
Making uninformed or rushed decisions is what often leads to risky situations or inescapable disaster.
Our local CFA volunteers work hard to provide guidelines for community members to ensure safety in the face of bushfires and housefires.
It is up to us to take that advice on board and action it with a sense of urgency.
Heeding emergency warnings, planning ahead, being aware of nearby fires, keeping an eye on wind directions and what a wind change can mean for you, can all play a part in keeping your family safe.
Many of us are counting our lucky stars that the Longwood fires did not spread further, causing more widespread destruction, thanks to the selfless and tireless efforts of our incredible CFA volunteers.
We remain grateful to our CFA Units who have again gone above and beyond, fighting tirelessly against the fires to protect the community.
Please prepare your property and make sure you have a plan.
