Statement from the Mayor on the Longwood Fire Emergency Event

Published on 10 January 2026

Murrindindi Shire Council extends its heartfelt support to everyone affected by the current fire event across our Shire and surrounding regions.

This is one of the largest and most complex fire events our community has faced in many years. The situation remains dynamic and challenging, and we are still firmly in the emergency response phase. Conditions have been demanding for emergency services, Council staff and volunteers, and this will continue for some time yet.

Our thoughts are with all residents, farmers, businesses and visitors who are experiencing loss, uncertainty and disruption. We know this is a deeply difficult time. While full impact assessments are not yet possible, it is already clear that many people have been significantly affected, including damage to property, community infrastructure and livestock. To those impacted, please know that you are not alone and that support is available.

I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the emergency service personnel, volunteers and agencies who continue to work around the clock to protect lives and property. The dedication shown by the Country Fire Authority (CFA), State Emergency Service (SES), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and our partner agencies has been extraordinary.

Equally, we are seeing the very best of our community in the way neighbours, local groups and volunteers are checking in on one another, sharing resources and offering help wherever they can. This spirit of care and connection is a defining strength of Murrindindi.

Council’s role during this time is to support the emergency response led by State authorities, while also preparing for recovery and longer-term rebuilding. Behind the scenes, Council teams have been working continuously to support emergency services across the Shire, manage access issues, assist with stock management, coordinate resources and prepare for impact assessments as soon as conditions allow.

We recognise how important access is for people who need to check on homes, farms and businesses. Council has raised the importance of reopening access in an orderly and safe way, prioritising those with a genuine need to access property ahead of non-essential travel. This approach supports both community safety and the practical realities facing residents.

We also recognise that some Council services may be disrupted as staff are redeployed to emergency management roles and safety priorities. These decisions are not taken lightly. They are necessary to protect staff, support emergency operations and ensure Council can continue to play its part in this response. We thank the community for its patience and understanding.

Council is working closely with neighbouring councils including Mitchell, Strathbogie, Mansfield and Benalla to coordinate relief, share information and scale support where required. We are also drawing on existing agreements with other councils to bring in additional capacity as needed.

While emergency response will continue for some time, Council is already planning for recovery. Recovery will not be quick or simple. It will take time, care and sustained effort, particularly given the cumulative impact of repeated emergencies our community has experienced in recent years.

Council has formally raised the need for dedicated recovery support, including funding for community hubs that allow Council to work directly with affected communities over time. These hubs have proven effective following previous disasters, enabling local support, access to expertise, councillor and staff engagement, wellbeing initiatives and practical assistance. A multi-year approach is essential to support community resilience and recovery after repeated serious events.

We have also advocated for recovery funding to support the timely restoration of valued and visible community assets, including those not always classified as essential infrastructure. These places matter deeply to local communities and play a vital role in social connection, wellbeing and recovery.

Council is seeking support for betterment, so that rebuilding can strengthen resilience rather than simply replicate what existed before. In a changing climate, rebuilding to historic standards is not always appropriate or safe. We need the ability to build infrastructure that is stronger, more resilient and fit for the conditions we are increasingly facing.

We are also advocating for clean up support, including assistance with waste disposal, lost assets and the clean-up of homes and properties, as well as targeted support for businesses that have been lost or significantly impacted by this fire event.

As soon as it is safe, Council will work with partner agencies to undertake impact assessments across homes, farms, businesses and community infrastructure, and to connect people with the support services they need. Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation and other agencies will commence livestock impact assessments to support affected landholders, while Council prepares for building inspections, environmental health checks and early infrastructure recovery.

Council has been in direct contact with the Premier and the Minister for Emergency Services to share local information and advocate strongly on behalf of our community. We will continue to make the case for timely, appropriate and sustained State and Federal support that reflects both the scale of this event and the long recovery ahead.

We understand that people are seeking clear, reliable information during an uncertain time. Council will continue to share verified updates through official channels, including emergency.vic.gov.au and the Murrindindi Shire Council website, as information becomes available.

Murrindindi is a resilient community, shaped by lived experience and a strong sense of looking out for one another. Council is committed to walking alongside our community through the ongoing emergency response and the long recovery process ahead. We will continue to listen, advocate and work steadily to support our people, today and into the future.

Councillor Damien Gallagher

Mayor Murrindindi Shire Council