Key Takeaways:
- Over 500 structures, including almost 179 homes, have been lost or damaged in the Victoria bushfires
- More than 15,000 farm animals have been lost in the fires, with farmers racing to feed and sustain surviving livestock
- Police are investigating a suspicious fire in the Bendigo suburb of Golden Square
- Thousands of properties remain without power, with some expected to be without power until Monday
- The government has announced $15 million to start the clean-up of burnt debris and damaged structures
- The 2026 Bushfire Appeal has been officially opened, with donations going to help people, organisations, and communities affected by the fires
Introduction to the Bushfire Crisis
The communities around Victoria are still reeling from the devastating bushfires that have ravaged the state, with the latest count showing that over 500 structures, including almost 179 homes, have been lost or damaged. The fires have also had a significant impact on the agricultural industry, with more than 15,000 farm animals lost. Farmers are now racing against time to feed and sustain the surviving livestock, while also having to carry out the grim task of disposing of the dead animals. The situation is further complicated by the fact that thousands of properties remain without power, with some expected to be without power until Monday.
Investigations into Suspicious Fires
Police are investigating a large suspicious fire that broke out in the Bendigo suburb of Golden Square on Tuesday night. The fire, which was 15 meters by 50 meters in size, is believed to have been deliberately lit. Investigators are appealing for information and are urging anyone with knowledge of the fire to come forward. This incident has added to the concerns of the community, which is already struggling to cope with the aftermath of the bushfires. The police are working to determine the cause of the fire and to identify those responsible.
Power Outages and Recovery Efforts
The power company, AusNet, has announced that it is prioritizing the restoration of power to homes and businesses in bushfire-affected regions. However, the company has stated that it does not have access to all parts of its network, making recovery efforts difficult. As a result, thousands of properties remain without power, with some expected to be without power until Monday. The company is working to restore power as quickly as possible, but the process is being hindered by the fact that some areas are still inaccessible due to the fires.
Government Response and Funding
The government has announced $15 million to start the clean-up of burnt debris and damaged structures. The premier, Jacinta Allan, has also officially opened the 2026 Bushfire Appeal, with donations going to help people, organisations, and communities affected by the fires. The Insurance Council of Australia has reported that almost 1,400 claims have already been lodged with insurers, with early indications that about 30 per cent of all current property claims are total losses. The government is also facing criticism over its preparedness for the bushfires and its funding of the Country Fire Authority (CFA). The premier has defended the government’s funding of the CFA, stating that it has only ever increased funding to the authority.
CFA Funding and Preparedness
The CFA has disputed claims that its funding has been cut, stating that its budget has increased year on year since 2020. The authority has also received additional funding for strategic bulk water supply and a statewide community engagement and awareness campaign. However, some locals and volunteers have raised concerns about the lack of funding for the CFA and aging equipment. The premier has acknowledged these concerns, but has argued that they have been misled and that it is not the time for politics. The CFA has also reported that it is working to address the concerns of the community and to ensure that it is prepared for future bushfire seasons.
Community Response and Resilience
Despite the challenges and criticisms, the community is showing resilience and determination in the face of the bushfire crisis. A team of volunteers from the Daylesford brigade, while fighting fires in Ravenswood, discovered a shaken but uninjured joey among the burnt trees. The joey, named Vernon, was rescued and later collected by Wildlife Rescue Victoria. The incident has brought some joy and hope to the community, and has highlighted the importance of the work being done by volunteers and emergency services. The community is coming together to support each other and to rebuild, and the government is working to provide the necessary resources and funding to aid in the recovery efforts.