Skipton residents return to township after fire, road closures remain

The Courier's emergency coverage is FREE for all readers. If you are having trouble loading the page, please refresh your browser or the app.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

Holiday Offer

All articles from our website & app

The digital version of Today's Paper

Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia

All other in your area

The Country Fire Authority has updated its final Advice message for Skipton township, for those who evacuated from the town on Friday, January 9.

They say it is safe to return to the township. The grassfire is now contained and the Skipton township is safe.

Residents can return via Skipton Road. People may be asked to show proof of address at the traffic management point.

However, a Watch and Act was issued on Sunday, January 11, for the rural areas of Skipton, Carranballac and Streatham.

The CFA says it is not safe to return to those areas.

"Hazardous trees and fallen powerlines pose a significant risk to residents trying to return home," the advisory said on Sunday, January 11.

"A hazardous tree assessment team is working to reopen roads. Powercor are on scene assessing and repairing critical infrastructure."

The following roads are closed;

The Glenelg Highway is closed between: Eurambeen-Streatham Road, Streatham and Pittong-Lismore Road, Skipton.

Stockyard Hill Road at Park Road in Beaufort.

Glenelg Highway at Lake Bolac.

Eurambeen-Streatham Road at Mt William Road.

Rossbridge-Streatham Road at Mortlake-Ararat Road, Rossbridge.

A recovery hub has been established at the Skipton Hall and will open on Sunday, January 11 from 10am to 4pm.

The Glenelg Highway between Ballarat and Streatham, with the road sign damaged by the bushfires on Friday, January 9. Picture by Joel McInnes.

Emergency vehicles will remain in the area and smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.

A Total Fire Ban is in place for Victoria for Sunday, January 11.

Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster in 18 fire-affected council areas across Victoria.

This includes the Golden Plains and Pyrenees shires in the wider Ballarat region.

"This declaration gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger," she said.

"It sends a clear message to those who have been asked to leave: if you can, you must."

She said the declaration allowed authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

Communities south of Ballarat

There is an Advice message for Bamganie, Cargerie, Meredith, Mount Mercer and Woodbourne.

The CFA says firefighters have stopped the spread of the grassfire at Shelford-Mount Mercer Road, Mount Mercer, but it is not yet under control.

Active fire is generating smoke which can be seen by surrounding communities.

There is currently no threat to people but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.

People are asked to keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.

Air quality warning

The CFA has advised people will see or smell smoke across parts of Victoria.

Ambulance escalation downgraded

Orange escalation will remain to support bushfire response.

On Friday, crews from Ballan and Daylesford were relocated in response to Friday's extreme weather forecast across the region.

The red escalation is the highest alert level for Ambulance Victoria.

"It enables Ambulance Victoria to activate its Emergency Response Plan and take additional actions beyond normal business operations to maintain community and paramedic safety and patient care," AV said in a statement.

Daily

Your morning news

Today's top stories curated by our news team.

Weekdays

The lunch break

Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Weekdays

The evening wrap

Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Weekly

Subscriber Only

Note from the Editor

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Weekly

What's On

Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.

Weekly

Subscriber Only

FootyHQ

Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Twice weekly

The Senior

Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.

Weekly

Sport

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Weekly

Explore Travel

Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Weekdays

The Echidna

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Twice weekly

The Informer

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Weekly

Motoring

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

As it happens

Breaking news alert

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Daily

Today's Paper Alert

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Daily

Subscriber Only

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Advertisement

Ad

Advertisement

Ad