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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has declared a state of disaster covering six shires and three alpine resorts across much of the eastern half of Victoria. This is the first time the Victorian Government has used these powers since they were included in the Emergency Management Act 1986 following the devastating Victorian Bushfires in 2009.

The areas covered include Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts along with East Gippsland Shire, Mansfield Shire, Wellington Shire, Wangaratta Rural Shire, Towong Shire, and Alpine Shire (this includes Mt Beauty, Dinner Plain and Bright.)

As the bushfire crisis has continued to escalate, Premier Andrews in consultation with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner was satisfied there is a significant and widespread danger to life and property in the coming days in the above areas.

The government, under the seven day state of disaster, has the power to take possession of private property, control movement and direct agencies.

Premier Andrews advised that “essentially this declaration is the first time these powers have been used because we face unprecedented risk to life and property in coming days.

“The fires are unprecedented in their size, their scale and the risk they pose to so many people right across affected communities. If you can leave, you must leave, if you don’t we simply cannot guarantee your safety.

For up to date information in real time visit the Vic Emergency website http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

Photo credit: Fire Rescue NSW Station 338 Jindabyne

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