Bunyip fire forgotten by government - Blackwood
The Bunyip complex fire earlier this year has become the forgotten fires, according to Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood.
Mr Blackwood last week called on Premier Daniel Andrews and ministers to visit the region.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Blackwood said the fires were well and truly extinguished, but the recovery process was still underway and will be for some time.
“The response from the Andrews government to the Bunyip fires earlier this year has been very disappointing, especially compared to the response of the Brumby government in 2009.
“Following the 2009 fires there was financial assistance provided to all businesses impacted either directly or indirectly by the fires.
All those who lost their home, insured or not, received a one-off payment of around $40,000 to help with the clean-up and rebuild.
“None of this has been made available to those who lost homes, businesses, outbuildings, fencing, pasture or water infrastructure during the Bunyip fires earlier this year,” he said.
Mr Blackwood said a recent survey conducted by the community recovery committee identified issues that residents still needed assistance with.
He said this included roadside clearing of firecreated debris and revegetation; fencing on private land, especially on land sharing a boundary with a government agency; rate relief—somehow property valuations have increased despite being completely burnt out; and also pasture reestablishment.
“The community becomes the engine room of recovery after disasters, and the four distinct communities of Tonimbuk, Garfield North, Bunyip North and Tynong North have assisted each other brilliantly, but the Andrews government needs to step up and partner with these communities.
“Assets like halls, community centres and meeting places must be built or rejuvenated.
“Tony Fitzgerald and his recovery committee are doing a great job, but they genuinely need more government assistance.
“A visit from the premier and ministers would be a good start given they have never visited the area since the fires,” he said.
Drouin Rabbit Control and Landcare Group is hosting a rabbit fencing demonstration day to show residents how to rabbit proof their gardens.
The demonstration will be held at 1B Massimo Court, Drouin on Sunday, November 10 at 10am.
Local pest animal contractor Dominic Bromilow will explain the technique and demonstrate the best way to lay rabbit proof wire to guarantee the most effective way to prevent digging by rabbits.
Participants will also get the opportunity to lay and fix a length of wire themselves, so they know how to do it at home.
There will be a presentation from the Baw Baw Shire on the role and responsibilities of local government in relation to rabbit control and what assistance is available to residents and landholders.
A barbecue lunch will be held at the end of the demonstration.
Anyone interested in learning more about this form of rabbit control is welcome to attend.
New members to the Drouin Rabbit Control and Landcare Group are also welcome.
Anyone wanting to attend can contact the secretary ecoservicesgippsland@gmail.com by Friday.
This is a free event made possible from funding through a Federal Government DSS Volunteer Grant.
The event has been organised in response to an explosion of rabbits. With the warmer temperatures and flush of spring growth, rabbits are breeding.
A special Oakstrvaganza luncheon will be held at the Algie Hall, Neerim South on Thursday.
The luncheon, organised by the Neerim District Community House, will be held from noon until 4pm with the theme ‘dress to impress’.
This can be either high fashion or novelty. Features of the day include fashions on the field, a novelty quiz, a sweep on one of the Flemington races, all with lots of prizes; and a great raffle.
Entertainment will be provided by a special mystery activity. Fashions on the field categories include best op shop outfit and novelty hat.
Women are encouraged to scour local op shops for outfits and/or accessories.
A three-course luncheon will be provided, with champagne, wine, and soft drinks.
The afternoon is a wonderful social opportunity for the women who work hard to keep the community alive to come together for some fun and relaxation.
People can by tables of six to eight people. Tickets are $25 each, and are available from St John’s Op Shop, Neerim South; or people can book and pay at the door.
As seating is limited, if you wish to reserve tickets or have any questions, please contact Maggie on 0412 444 959 or Margery on 5628 1014.