Call to prioritise fuel and fertiliser for bushfire recovery

Published on 20 March 2026

Murrindindi Shire Council has formally requested the State and Federal Governments to take immediate action to safeguard access to fuel and fertiliser, warning that supply pressures and increased costs risk slowing bushfire recovery across the region.

Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said reliable access to diesel is essential for on-the-ground recovery activities including fencing, clean-up, freight and farm operations, following the catastrophic January 2026 bushfires across Murrindindi Shire.

“Fuel is not optional in a recovery like this - it underpins every part of getting people back on their feet,” Cr Gallagher said.

“Any disruption to supply or sharp increases in cost place additional pressure on producers who are already dealing with significant losses.”

Council has also raised growing concerns about fertiliser prices and availability, particularly nitrogen inputs, which are vital for restoring pasture and stabilising fire-affected land.

“For many of our producers, this is a narrow window to act. Without access to fertiliser at the right time, recovery is delayed and productivity is impacted well into the future,” he said.

The January bushfires caused widespread damage across Murrindindi Shire, including livestock losses, destroyed pasture and extensive fencing impacts, with fencing replacement costs alone estimated to exceed $120 million.

Council is advocating for immediate, practical measures to support fire-affected regions, including:

• Priority access to fuel for primary producers, recovery contractors and regional supply chains
• Targeted, time-limited financial support to offset extreme fuel costs and secure fertiliser supply
• Active intervention to stabilise fertiliser supply pathways, particularly nitrogen inputs

Cr Gallagher said the issue is not about convenience, but about ensuring recovery can continue at pace.

“This is about maintaining the capacity of our community to recover, keep producing and remain viable through a period of compounding disruption,” he said.

“Murrindindi was the hardest hit areas in the January fires, and our recovery depends on being able to act quickly - not absorb further shocks.”

Council has offered to work closely with government to support local coordination, including identifying priority users and assisting with distribution and communication on the ground.