TAT News

As of Monday the 20/1/2014, fires in the Grampians Northern Complex have been declared contained.

Incident Controller Mark Gunning said this was a significant milestone for Grampians communities with emergency and recovery services now focussing on returning residents in fire-affected areas back to their homes.

“Over the past few days firefighters have focussed on back burning around the Mt Difficult Range near Halls Gap as well as establishing and consolidating control and containment lines,” he says.

“With more favourable weather conditions it has been important to complete these works as we’re expecting some warmer weather and northerly winds this Thursday.”

Mr Gunning said crews would continue patrolling the fire as well as undertaking hazardous tree assessments along the fire’s edge and surrounding roads and properties.

“Residents and visitors should still be mindful that clean-up works will continue over coming days and an Advice message remains in place for Roses Gap, Cherrypool, Dadswell’s Bridge, Laharum, Ledcourt, Pomonal, Zumsteins, Wartook, Bellfield, Lake Fyans, Glenisla, Halls Gap and Brimpaen,” he says.

“As with any fire, the situation can change at any time and while we don’t expect any further spread of the fire, it is important that people stay up-to-date with local conditions.”

This Australia Day long weekend, Victoria’s fire agencies are reminding the community to check conditions before travelling around the state, be aware of fire-affected areas and stay safe.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Chief Fire Officer Alan Goodwin says there is still a number of bushfires going in the Mallee, East Gippsland and the Grampians.

“Where bushfires are still burning, a small number of national parks and state forests have been closed to the public,” he says.

“However there are plenty of camping and bush walking options that are open across the state and holiday makers can make the most of the long weekend.

“Parts of the Grampians National Park have reopened such as the popular tourist location Halls Gap, which is welcoming visitors.

“Anyone visiting fire-affected areas need to be aware of falling trees. Never pitch your tent next to a tree or under large branches,” he said.

Mr Goodwin says it was important for people to drive cautiously around fire-affected areas, be aware of the current conditions, and look out for emergency service personnel and vehicles.

“With weather conditions expected to reach the 40’s in some parts of the state next Tuesday, we’re asking campers to ensure their campfires are completely extinguished before heading home on Monday.”

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson urges people to be aware of the safety risks associated with gas barbecues and illegal fireworks while enjoying the long weekend.

“Illegal fireworks have the potential to start fires and cause serious damage to property, grass and bushland and most importantly threaten lives,” he says.

“Before lighting any open fire barbecues Victorians need to check the VicEmergency or CFA website for any fire warnings and restrictions. Also check your gas barbeque is in working order before firing it up.”

Powercor is still working to restore services to some residents around Zumsteins and the Wartook Valley and boil water notices remain in place for Halls Gap and Pomonal until further notice.

Mr Gunning says the Grampians community was also welcoming visitors to return to the area including Halls Gap, Dunkeld, Laharum, Dadswell’s Bridge, Pomonal and other tourist areas.

Many roads and campgrounds inside the park are open including the Grampians Tourist Road south of Halls Gap, roads to the east of Grampians Tourist Road, Mt Abrupt to Jimmy Creek Campground, the road to Silverband Falls.

Walks open to visitors include the Venus Baths, Fyans Creek Loop, Boronia Peak, Mt Abrupt and Mt Sturgeon. The situation is being constantly reviewed and areas will be opened as soon as they are declared safe.

Residents can keep with the latest warnings and advice by tuning in to ABC local radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV, via emergency.vic.gov.au, by downloading the FireReady smartphone application, through CFA’s Twitter and Facebook accounts or by phoning the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The fire, which was believed to have been started by lightening on Wednesday the 15 January, has killed 7000 livestock, destroyed 30 structures  and estimated to have burnt around 52,000 hectares.

 

By Daniel Borghouts

Source: CFA

 

 

 

The Walk Home 2014

The Walk Home 2014 (TWH2014) team are finalising vehicle and gear hire for a planned 300 km march along the Thai-Burma Railway in Thailand on ANZAC Day 2014. The march will raise awareness and money for Soldier On, a charity that looks after the welfare of mentally and physically injured Australian soldiers.

The group consists of 10 to 12 serving or returned Australian Defence Force personnel, state and federal police and civilians from throughout Australia, with Perth members meeting monthly for group training. The team will start at Ban Pong in Thailand and work their way North West to Sangkhla Buri along the ruins of the Thai-Burma Railway (nicknamed “The Death Railway” due to prisoners of war being used as forced labour in its construction during World War Two). The trip is estimated to take 12 days.

TWH2014 is the brainchild of Bryan R., who came up with the idea of the march whilst deployed to Africa earlier this year with the Federal Government.

“On a brief period of leave, I had arranged to meet up with my wife in Thailand where we visited the museum at Kanchanaburi. This is where I had the initial idea to walk it (the Thai-Burma Railway) and my wife suggested that I do it for charity. On my return to South Sudan, my wife informed me about the new charity called Soldier On. On ANZAC Day this year, after a couple of brown lemonades, I managed to convince some mates to join me.”

So far, TWH2014 have managed to raise over $26,000 with corporate sponsorships and other events and the 8/12 Royal Australian Artillery regiment has planned to raise around $3000 through weekly sporting activities.One hundred percent of donations will go to Soldier On, who work to get the best care for wounded Australian soldiers to help with their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. In Afghanistan, 261 Australians from all three branches of the ADF have been wounded with 8% of all personnel deployed to Afghanistan returning with psychological problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

For more information, visit http://thewalkhome.com.au/

To donate to Soldier On
click on this link:  http://www.soldieron.org.au/

 

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