Local jobs powering bushfire recovery across Murrindindi

Published on 30 March 2026

Murrindindi Shire Council’s bushfire response and recovery works are supporting a significant local workforce, with contracted tree works being undertaken by businesses based in Murrindindi, Mansfield, Yarra Ranges and Mitchell shires.

Over one hundred people are now involved across multiple crews from fifteen businesses delivering tree safety, clean-up and firewood processing works as part of the recovery effort. These local operators have employed new local staff to scale up well beyond their pre‑fire operations to meet the urgent and ongoing demand for tree works following the January fires.

Council has deliberately prioritised local contractors wherever possible, ensuring recovery funding stays in the region while supporting businesses, workers and communities who were themselves impacted by the fires. Locals are more likely to spend locally, further improving the economic spend and the success of other local businesses impacted by the fires.

Council’s Economic Development, Local Jobs, and Skills Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said the approach recognised that recovery is about people as much as infrastructure.

“These works are about keeping our roads and communities safe, but they’re also about helping local businesses stand back up, expand their crews and keep people working at a time of real disruption,” Cr McAulay said.

“Many of our contractors live here, employ local people and understand the landscape. That local knowledge is invaluable in recovery, and it means the benefits of this work flows straight back into our communities.”

Tree works are being delivered by a range of local operators, with several businesses moving from occasional or part‑time Council work, to running multiple full‑time crews, including additional roles focused on firewood processing and material reuse.

The scale of the task reflects the severity of fire damage across the Shire. One large tree removed from a fire‑affected roadway measured over three metres in diameter, requiring a 20‑tonne excavator to safely move it.

Sustainability and Assets Portfolio Councillor Paul Hildebrand said the complexity of the work highlights why experienced local contractors are critical.

“These are not routine jobs. Many trees are unstable, fire‑damaged and located along narrow or high‑risk roads,” Cr Hildebrand said.

“Local crews are working long hours in challenging conditions to make roads safe and reduce ongoing risks, while also employing people locally and supporting recovery in their own towns.”

Local contractors say the recovery works have allowed them to support their communities in practical and meaningful ways.

Ben, from local contractor Murrindindi Tree Services, said the work goes beyond a standard contract.

“We live and work here, so this isn’t just another contract for us,” Ben said.

“We’ve been able to bring on local people, keep crews working full‑time and do something practical to help the community recover. Working alongside Council, everyone’s focused on getting the job done safely and properly.”

Aaron, from Unlimbited Trees based in Yea, said the recovery works had created opportunities for both employment and using local knowledge.

“Before the fires we were doing occasional work with Council, but now we’ve got multiple crews on the ground and local people employed full‑time,” Aaron said.

“It’s tough work, but it’s good to know the effort is helping make roads safer and keeping local jobs going when they’re really needed.”

Dylan, from Leaf and Limb in Healesville, said his team is processing fire‑damaged trees to be made available to affected residents for firewood in the coming weeks.

“We’ve been able to turn a difficult situation into something positive by employing locals and providing firewood and mulch back to the community,” Dylan said.

“That’s what recovery looks like at a local level.”

Tree safety and clean‑up works will continue in the coming months as part of Council’s broader bushfire recovery program.

Residents are reminded that tree works are prioritised based on safety risk and accessibility, and that not all damaged trees can be removed immediately.

Pictured above: Fire‑damaged trees are being removed by local contractors as part of bushfire recovery works across Murrindindi Shire. This tree, measuring more than three metres in diameter, required a 20‑tonne excavator to safely move it after it fell across a roadway during the fires.