Frequently Asked Questions

There are still significant road closures across Murrindindi. For the latest information check visit Road access and closures webpage or - VicTraffic: traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Community safety remains the highest priority and Council is working hard to assess damage on more than 450km of roads including, clearing hazards, inspecting trees, road surface and reinstalling road signage and infrastructure to re-establish safe access to roads impacted by the fire. 

Over 450kms of local roads remain closed following the fire. Major damage to road surfaces, guardrails, guideposts, speed and road signage has been impacted. Roadside trees have also been totally or partly burnt, which require teams of people and machinery to remove.

This website is updated daily as roads are reopened - check to see your road on the Road Access and Closures page.

There are many crews working seven days a week on these roads including arborists, specialist tree contractors, bridge assessors, engineers and construction workers. These complex assessments take time, and the community’s patience is greatly appreciated. 

We know many in our community are facing a tough time after the fires.

If you need help accessing financial support payments or connecting with other services, please call the Emergency Recovery Victoria Hotline on 1800 560 760, Monday to Friday - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Council also have Information Hubs at Alexandra and Yea - find out the latest times, locations and services available on the Bushfire Information Hubs page. 

Many of our trusted community groups and networks have rapidly activated to support relief and recovery efforts and meet immediate needs in our community.

Council is taking a coordination role, helping ensure connections are made between all the different groups who are assisting, and amplifying key messages about where generous community members can direct what they are offering, both material aid (non-perishable foods, household items, agricultural equipment etc) and financial donations.

Check the Goulburn Valley Water website for up-to-date information on emergency water fill points across the fire-affected area.

For safety, we ask you to access the site during daylight hours.

This water is safe for people to drink - so make sure you bring your containers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and small water trailers.

This is an emergency service for those affected by fires. Water carters cannot access this water supply. Please use local standpipes - water at the standpipes in these four towns is free to access at this point in time.

For more information, please call Goulburn Valley Water’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.

Due to damage from the January 2026 bushfires, sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail are closed. This closure affects trail use within the Cheviot, Molesworth, Koriella, Yarck and Kanumbra areas, including the spurline between Cathkin and Alexandra.

As of 25 February 2026, the Great Victorian Rail Trail is open from Tallarook to the Cheviot Tunnel just outside of Yea, and from Merton to Mansfield. A small section from the Alexandra trailhead through to Maintongoon Road is also open.

Please continue to visit and enjoy these sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail – your support to our businesses and communities is welcomed and appreciated.

For the latest information visit the Great Victorian Rail Trail website.

You can visit Council’s Libraries and Customer Service Centres at the following locations:

• Alexandra Customer Service Centre
• Alexandra Library
• Yea Library and Customer Service Centre
• Kinglake Library and Customer Service Centre

There are emergency relief payments available for eligible residents and business owners affected by the fires. Visit the State Government Support page for more details.

If your home has been lost or damaged in the fire, please don’t worry about your rates right now. Your safety, wellbeing and immediate recovery needs are what matter most.

During emergencies like this, we do not expect people to focus on rates. The assessment and recovery process takes time, and we understand that financial and administrative matters can’t be dealt with immediately.

Council will provide a formal update on rates and available support options as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will make a note on your property file so we are aware of your situation.

Once area assessments are complete and we receive information such as insurance details or updates from you directly, our Rates team will work with you to provide appropriate support and guidance.

Yes. If a home has been destroyed, the property’s valuation will eventually be adjusted to reflect land value only. However, this process takes time and won’t appear on rates notices immediately.

Here’s how it works:

The property owner lets Council know that the home has been lost or significantly damaged. (This can be reported through Customer Service.)

• Council’s Building team conducts an inspection to confirm the extent of the damage.
• The inspection outcome is sent to the Rates team, who then begin the revaluation process.
• A revised valuation is prepared in consultation with the Valuer‑General, reflecting land value only.

Once this process is complete, the adjusted valuation will flow through to future rates notices.

We appreciate the generosity of all those who have offered donations and support.

For more information on how to get these contributions to the people that need them most, visit our Donations and assistance page.

Temporary accommodation allows for immediate shelter while you are seeking the appropriate permissions and undertaking construction for permanent accommodation. This can include cabins, sheds and caravans.

All temporary accommodation requires Council approval.

For more information, visit Temporary Accommodation.

Use Agriculture Victoria’s Loss and Damage online Assessment Form, which helps identify fodder, water and livestock support needs. Visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires

Agriculture Victoria and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) have activated the emergency fodder program to provide relief assistance to farmers affected by bushfires. The Agriculture Emergency Fodder Support Program will provide urgent, practical assistance to support the health and welfare of livestock. Farmers in fire affected areas can request emergency fodder by contacting the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visiting vff.org.au

There are also some locally-led emergency relief fodder options:

Matt Ellis - 0493 838 245 or matt@alexevents.com.au

Fawcett Hall: Sam Hicks - 0427 723 227

If you are insured - contact your insurer to assist with fencing replacement.

If your fencing or land has been damaged, or water removed from your dam/s during firefighting, you may be eligible for assistance from Forest Fire Management Victoria or the CFA, who are now coordinating stabilisation works.

If you are uninsured, you may be eligible for assistance from BlazeAid. 

Mor information is available on the Fences, Essential Water and Control Lines page.

Disposing of deceased livestock is managed by the landholder as part of on-property recovery. Agriculture Victoria is available to support landholders disposing of livestock with guidance, information and technical advice. A Livestock Disposal Advisory service has been established to provide advice to landholders. This service can be contacted on 0407 145 007 and livestock.disposal@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Council is aware of the additional challenges faced in managing burials as a result of damaged equipment on farms. We are advocating with Dept of Agriculture regarding this urgent need.

Advice on safe on‑farm burial—including setback distances, suitable sites, and environmental protections—is available through Agriculture Victoria and the EPA Victoria. Both provide clear guidelines for burial and composting to minimise environmental and biosecurity risks.

Ag Vic have teams of field staff on the ground supporting farmers, prioritising animal welfare and carrying out impact assessments across the state. Any farmers needing support with animal welfare should call 1800 226 226.

You can also report any dead or injured animals, crop loss or damage, or fodder and water needs online at the Agriculture Victoria website. The information helps Ag Vic direct recovery efforts.

Emergency Water Supply Points (EWSPs) provide access to water for emergency stock and domestic purposes. These EWSPs can include council bores, urban and rural standpipes and can have costs and conditions associated with access.

There are EWSP’s located in:

• Alexandra (Goulburn Valley Water)
• Yarck (Murrindindi Shire Council)
• Yea (Goulburn Valley Water)
• Merton (Mansfield Shire Council)

To find your nearest EWSPs, visit www.water.vic.gov.au/for-agriculture-and industry/emergency-water-supply-points

Agriculture Victoria provides guidance on managing farm water supplies after bushfire, including assessing water quality, protecting remaining water sources, and planning short‑term and long‑term water solutions.

There are a range of financial assistance options available for farmer/primary producers who have been impacted including Primary Producer Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans.

Visit our Emergency Relief Payments page to learn more.

Although significant work is already happening across Murrindindi to support the community after the January 2026 fires, we are not officially in the “recovery phase” yet.

Even though Council, emergency agencies, and community organisations are already:

• assessing impacts
• clearing hazards where possible
• supporting displaced residents, and
• preparing for the steps ahead

These activities occur under the response phase, not the formal recovery phase.

The transition to official recovery will happen once:

• fire threats have been controlled,
• essential services are stabilised,
• access is safe, and
• the State Control Centre shifts command responsibilities from response to recovery.

At that point, a coordinated recovery framework will be activated—often involving:

• a designated municipal or regional recovery manager
• structured recovery programs (e.g., clean‑up, rebuilding, psychosocial support, primary producer recovery)
• and state and federal recovery arrangements

Please don’t go home until emergency services say you can.

Only go onto your property if it is safe.

Watch out for dangers like:

• asbestos
• unstable trees and branches
• fallen powerlines
• damaged structures like chimneys
• gas bottles
• petrol and chemicals
• damaged septic tanks which could collapse.

Get a licensed tradesperson to check your home before using electricity, gas, or water.

Always check tradespeople's ID to make sure they're legitimate.

The Insurance Council of Australia has important information about what to do when claiming following a bushfire. This includes topics such as cash settlements, repair/replace/rebuild and disaster chasers. Visit the Insurance Council of Australia for important information.

ARC Justice is another important organisation that can help with advice and information on insurance and legal matters in relation to the bushfires.

Contact your insurance company, even if you are not sure how much damage there is, you can start your claim. Get a copy of your policy.

Check with your insurer before making any repairs. Take photos and make a list of everything that is damaged.

Debris removal for private properties — including fire‑damaged structures, hazardous materials, and large‑scale clean‑ups — is typically delivered through State‑coordinated recovery programs, not by Council alone. These programs typically begin once the State formally transitions from response to recovery.

Clean up support will be available in Murrindindi Shire. You can register online at vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires to be notified when clean-up support starts.

Until this transition happens, clean‑up activities that occur are limited to emergency safety work — such as clearing trees or debris that block essential access routes or pose immediate danger.

While waiting for the transition to recovery:

• Do not start large‑scale demolition or debris handling, especially where asbestos may be present — this may affect your eligibility for funded clean‑up later.
• Document any damage with photos and notes.
• Ensure your property is safe to enter before inspecting it.
• Stay connected to Murrindindi Shire Council updates and VicEmergency for official announcements.

Buildings, including homes and sheds constructed before 1988 are likely contain asbestos. If damaged by fire, the material may become friable (crumbly) and hazardous if inhaled. Do not disturb potential asbestos and consider hiring a licensed removalist for safe disposal.

If burnt mater material likely to contain asbestos is near your home:

• stay away from the area
• keep windows and doors shut to prevent dust entering your home
• wear a facemask when outside
• dampen the material, is safe to do so to reduce dust

The cleaning up of burnt building material that may contain asbestos needs to be handled safely and disposed of a licensed landfill site.

The safest approach is to engage a licensed asbestos removalist - Asbestos Removalists Directory | WorkSafe Victoria.

Property owners can coordinate this through their insurance company or a State government-sponsored clean-up program.

Septic Tank systems are both septic tanks and treatment plants that are be constructed of concrete or plastic. Some systems have electrical connections and control boxes as well as pumps and plastic pipes in trenches or drip irrigation. All or some of these components can be damaged by fire.

If your system is damaged and presents an immediate safety risk, action should be taken as soon as practicable to make it safe. For example, if the lid is missing, place a temporary cover or fencing around the system to prevent access to the area. Do not drive or walk over any tanks.

If your system is not working or you suspect or any part of your system is damaged, contact a licensed plumber to have it assessed.

If your system only requires repair work to make it operational no approvals are required from Council. If the system requires replacement, contact the Council Environmental Health Team.

For more general information, visit out Septic Tank Systems page.

Your tank water may not be safe to drink after a fire. It could be contaminated by debris, ash, dead animals, fire retardants and water-bombing chemicals.

If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not:

• drink it
• use it for cooking
• use it to brush your teeth
• give to pets or livestock.

Use bottled water for drinking until your tank is checked or repaired.

If you disconnected your downpipes before the fire, hose down your roof or wait for heavy rain before you reconnect.

You may have emptied your household water tank for fire fighting or it may now contain ash or other contaminants. You could be eligible for a refill. This is known as ‘relief drinking water.’

Relief drinking water can be supplied to households in Murrindindi Shire in impacted areas.

Visit Emergency relief drinking water 2026 for more information and to complete the necessary documentation to apply.

The aim of this program is to supply drinking water for an impacted community within 3 weeks after a decision is made to commence the program. For the January 2026 fires, we anticipate the program will run until at least 6 February 2026.

Rebuilding after a fire is a significant and often emotional process. While many people are eager to start planning, it’s important to understand the steps, supports, and safety requirements before any rebuilding can occur.

The Victorian Government activates state‑coordinated clean‑up and rebuilding programs during the recovery phase. These include site assessments, structural demolition, hazardous material removal, and guidance on rebuilding requirements. These programs are not yet active.

Beginning work too early may:

• put you at safety risk
• impact your eligibility for state‑funded clean‑up or rebuilding assistance
• result in non‑compliant building work

A State‑coordinated clean‑up program will be announced by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV).

This typically includes:

• removal of fire‑damaged structures
• clearing of debris
• asbestos and hazardous material removal

Once rebuilding begins:

• A planning permit may be required depending on overlays (heritage, landslip, flood, bushfire‑prone areas).
• A building permit will always be required before construction starts.

In some cases, rebuilding on the same site in a bushfire‑prone area may not require a planning permit, but this depends on site‑specific circumstances. Always check with Council first.

If emergency services take essential water from your land to fight fires, you can request for it to be replaced. If essential water supplies run out, we will replace the water within 48 hours of your request, as long as it’s safe. Please download and complete the form within 3 months of it being taken from your property.

Essential water replacement form

Email the completed form to emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au

Officers from Murrindindi Shire Council will be visiting all fire‑affected properties over the coming months to carry out detailed on‑site assessments of damage caused by the January 2026 bushfires.

Learn more atSecondary Impact Assessment Frequently Asked Questions.