Bushfire Information
23 January 2020
The bushfires impacting our beautiful region have seen incredible and tireless efforts by emergency personnel and volunteers, agencies and community members who have helped keep our communities safe. We are all deeply indebted to them.
Favourable weather conditions this week leading into Australia Day weekend have been a welcome relief. The rain has helped clear the air, for now, and helped dampen the spread fires.
Local businesses have been welcoming visitors back with open arms as the region embarks on the long road to recovery.
Thank you for your continued support as we all work together to get this spectacular region back on its feet again. Your generosity and kindness have been incredible.
FAQ
Can I visit the Alpine Shire – Bright & Surrounds (Mount Beauty, Myrtleford, Harrietville and Dinner Plain)?
Yes - visitors are welcome, although you need to know the following:
- We still have fire active in our region, you need to be aware of the situation at all times. If visiting our region you need to watch for warnings and incidents: vic.gov.au
- Air quality is an issue. Please review the following link to find out more before visiting the region https://aqicn.org/city/australia/victoria/bright/
- There are several road closures. Keep an eye on this website; vicroads.vic.gov.au
Should warnings in our area change from ‘Advice’ to ‘Watch and Act’ on the VicEmergency website/app we advise all visitors leave the region. This ensures the safety of our visitors and allows emergency services to focus on the issue at hand.
How can I help the Alpine Shire get through this tough time?
Plan and book your holiday to our region soon. If not in the next month, in the next six months. If you normally visit us in summer, try something new and come in winter. Enjoy the vistas from our valleys looking at snowcapped mountains.
Can’t squeeze a weekend away in the coming months? Book a weekend for a friend or family member who deserves a well-earned break.
Support our retail shops and local producers by purchasing their goods online. Follow our Instagram page @brightandsurrounds in the coming weeks to see what’s on offer.
Anything more we need to know if we are visiting?
Yes, advice from the emergency services is;
- There is a lot of emergency services vehicles and heavy machinery on the roads, please take care and drive with your lights on.
- Do not 'rubberneck' past fire or traffic management sites
- Stay within township areas; don’t go bush
North East Water is asking people to be mindful of their water usage during this time.
Are the National Parks accessible?
Sections of the Alpine National Park are open for public access. These areas include Mount Feathertop and the Razorback Ridge, Bon Accord Spur, Bungalow Spur and North-West Spur, Dibbins Hut, Diamantina Horse Yards and the Australian Alpine Walking Trail between Mount Hotham and Pole 333.
Mount Bogong and the northern Bogong High Plains are open.
Mount Buffalo National Park is closed.
Full details available here
Are the shops and accommodation providers open for business?
Business is slowly returning to normal. If you have booked your accommodation, we suggest you follow up your booking to confirm the current status.
How can I support the people of the Alpine Shire?
Donations of money to the Red Cross Australia will directly assist our residents in need:
redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate
Need more information or details?
Refer to the Alpine Shire Council website. The ‘emergency’ page is kept up-to-date with all information surrounding the fires.