Free fire waste disposal extension welcomed

Published on 14 May 2026

Murrindindi Council has welcomed the extension of the free bushfire recovery waste disposal program until 30 June 2026, providing much needed relief and continued support for residents cleaning up after the January 2026 fires.

The six-week extension will be of great assistance to those who are still working through rebuilding their lives. While this extra time is welcomed, Council believes a full six-month extension will be needed to meet the needs of the many residents who are continuing to recover from the disaster.

Mayor of Murrindindi Shire, Cr Damien Gallagher, said the extension was a positive step and reflected the impact of Council’s continued advocacy on behalf of fire-affected communities.

“This is a positive step, and we’re pleased that our fire-impacted residents were listened to,” Cr Gallagher said.

“Murrindindi has continued to share the lived experience of our community and advocate strongly for recovery support that reflects the scale of impact experienced here.

“We’re aware that many people in our Shire are not yet able to properly begin clean-up and recovery.”

More than 280 Murrindindi property owners registered for the State Government’s on-site clean-up program; however, to date, only seven have seen any activity on their property.

Some residents have reportedly now given up waiting for the State Government program and have withdrawn from the process, while many others have been deemed ineligible.

The free bushfire recovery waste disposal program at Council facilities has been highly regarded and appreciated, and we encourage the community to make use of this free service prior to 30 June, if possible.

However, with 133 properties either deemed ineligible or having withdrawn, and a further 62 still waiting to learn whether they will receive a State Government clean-up service, closing this option in June will again place pressure on those least able to absorb it.

Reports indicate that many residents are only now beginning the difficult process of clearing fire-damaged properties, as the need to secure temporary accommodation ahead of winter becomes increasingly urgent.

Delays to clean-up can also have a compounding impact on mental health and wellbeing, with residents continuing to confront the extent of damage to their properties.

Cr Damien Gallagher, said many residents were still only at the beginning of what would be a long recovery process.

“Some residents are only now gaining safe access to their properties, while others waited in good faith for State programs that continue to progress slowly. While we welcome this extension, we expect to again call on the State Government in coming weeks to extend the program for the full additional six months needed to continue supporting our residents,” said Cr Gallagher.

Of all councils and municipalities affected by the January 2026 bushfires, Murrindindi experienced the greatest impact, accounting for approximately 48 per cent of the state’s structural losses.

While all impacted councils and municipalities have received recovery funding, Murrindindi has received only around 8 per cent of the total funding provided. Council continues to advocate for recovery support that is equitable and proportionate to need, as this level of funding is clearly not aligned with the 48 per cent of impact experienced by Murrindindi.

“Support needs to keep pace with the level of impact and be delivered fairly, providing the same level of service that communities across Australia receive after a disaster. Right now, it is not, and that needs to change quickly,” said Cr Gallagher.