37 q Annual Report 2013-2014


The Grampians Northern Complex Fire


Lightning strikes in the Grampians National Park on 15 January 2014 ignited more than 14 fires in the Wimmera Fire District, with several of these fires joining into one large fire, impacting on the communities of Wartook, Roses Gap, Brimpaen, Laharum, St Helens Plains and Dadswells Bridge. This fire, known as the Grampians Northern Complex Fire burnt over 55,000 hectares of land and had a significant impact on our municipality and the Northern Grampians Shire.


Over 135 structures were lost in the areas of Wartook, Brimpaen, Laharum, Dadswells Bridge and St Helens Plains, including 32 dwellings, 19 of which were primary places of residence. The fire burnt through many farms with extensive damage to paddocks, fences and stock. Council acknowledges those that have experienced significant loss to their home, business or livelihood during the fire. The fire had a significant impact on local businesses with 29 tourism, accommodation and intensive agricultural enterprises in fire affected area and many more in the surrounding area. Sadly, the fire resulted in the loss of a member of our community. On behalf of Council, we offer our sympathy to the many people saddened by the loss of Barbara Pleasance.


At its peak, there were over 500 personnel from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Local Government, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Vic Roads, Telstra, Powercor, GWMWater, Department of Human Services, State Emergency Services, Wimmera UnitingCare and health service agencies working together to protect our communities. There were 81 tankers, 38 slip-on units, seven dozers, four fixed wing aircraft, six helicopters, graders, excavators and support vehicles, with over 1,500 meals being provided to our fire fighters each day.


We congratulate the staff and volunteers of all our emergency service agencies for the efficient manner in which they carried out their duties during the fire. We also acknowledge the efforts of our own Council staff. Staff worked hard on graders and water trucks, filling water tankers, creating fire breaks, tree clearances and road closures. Our staff also supported the Municipal Emergency Control Centre and Relief and Recovery Centre operations to ensure that these services ran as smoothly as possible.


Council’s focus over the past five months has been on the recovery process. The recovery effort to date has truly been a combined community and agency recovery, with considerable support from service clubs, the Red Cross, local community groups, the Laharum Primary School, BlazeAid volunteers and residents from the fire affected area and beyond, as well as agencies including Wimmera UnitingCare, Department of Human Services and the emergency services.


Initially in the recovery, Council’s efforts focused on helping residents return to their properties assisting, with Wimmera UnitingCare, in finding temporary housing for those who lost homes, making roads safe and reopening roads so people could return home, assessing the safety of homes and structures, clearing trees from fence lines, assisting with stock disposal, placing skip bins in areas to assist with disposal of waste materials and extending the operating hours of the Mt Zero waste transfer station. The co-ordination of hay, agistment and other donations was also extremely well managed by local farmers and farming organisations such as the Victorian Farmers Federation. Council co-ordinated a Recovery Centre initially in Horsham and later at Laharum Hall, staffed by representatives from Horsham Rural City Council, Department of Human Services and Wimmera UnitingCare. This centre provided services to affected residents and was a central point to help identify community needs.


There have been many events held within the area including barbeques, morning teas, film nights, working bees, speakers and music events, all aimed at providing an opportunity for people to come together to share their experiences and feelings.


Helping tourism businesses and working with groups such as the Wartook Promotions Group and Grampians Tourism has been a key part of the recovery process.


Council worked closely with the Desert Frinj Waste Management Group who have co-ordinated the pickup of metal and fencing material from properties. Proceeds from these activities were distributed to the three local fire brigades – Brimpaen, Dadswells Bridge and Laharum and also to BlazeAid. Wimmera UnitingCare co-ordinated a Bushfire Appeal and the proceeds have been distributed to affected families.


Council has appointed a Fire Recovery Officer who will continue to work with the communities in our municipality and those within Northern Grampians Shire.


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