General News
6 January, 2025
Bushfire contained, but Grampians National Park remains closed to visitors
FFMVic declared the 76,7720-hectare Grampians bushfire contained.
With almost half an inch of rain falling overnight, Forest Fire Management Victoria issued a welcome piece of advice.
On January 6, almost three weeks after the blaze ignited about 22km north of Dunkeld, FFMVic declared the 76,7720-hectare Grampians National Park bushfire contained.
Incident Controller Peter West said the announcement was a welcome milestone.
"This fire represents a significant environmental and social incident and one that deeply affects people connected to the national park, including Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors," he said.
"Coinciding with what is typically the busiest season for tourism in the area, the fire has resulted in considerable hardships and financial losses for local businesses and communities.
"Declaring the fire contained allows us to begin the process of reopening Halls Gap and areas of the national park.
Mr West said firefighters would monitor and patrol the fire, which could still take a number of weeks.
"It is likely we will still see smoke and small flare-ups in the area, but we will continue to be present to deal with these when and as they arise," he said.
"I want to thank the community and the public for their remarkable patience during our battle with this fire.
"We understand that many plans had to be altered and that the resulting inconvenience has had a significant impact on daily life and significant events such as Christmas."
The news comes as 12.8mm of rain fell overnight, mostly between 6-9am.
However, the national park remains off-limits to most states as emergency services assess the damage.
Only Halls Gap residents can return to their properties via Traffic Management Points. Proof of address will be required.
Halls Gap business operators are invited to a forum from 1-12pm on Tuesday, January 7, at the Halls Hap Centenary Hall; a whole community forum will follow at 2pm.
Authorities are planning to reopen Halls Gap to businesses and visitors later in the week; however, an exact date has not been confirmed.
The fire claimed four homes in Moyston and Mafeking, and 40 outbuildings in Moyston, Willaura, Willaura North, Mafeking, Pomonal, Glenthompson and Mirranatwa.
Initial surveying shows livestock losses included 775 sheep, a horse, one beef cattle and 1285 beehives.
On December 29, 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in Horsham that bushfire-hit workers and sole traders can apply for up to 13 weeks of income support.
The allowance has been made available alongside other supports, including disaster assistance for each council and a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family to help cover essentials such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation.