'We have reached that level of danger': Premier declares state of disaster

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a "state of disaster" in 18 fire-affected local government areas including Corangamite Shire Council.

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Ms Allan made the declaration in the early hours of Saturday, January 10, 2025 following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner.

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

'We have reached that level of danger': Premier declares state of disaster

"We have reached that level of danger."

She said while it didn't change specific advice in place for anyone in fire-affected areas, it sent a clear message to those who have been advised to leave.

"If you can, you must," she said.

"The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

"It ensures that every part of government - every department, every agency, every authority - is focused on one priority: protecting life."

It also means that if someone insists on staying in an area where their life is in danger, authorities have the power to force them to leave, she said.

'We have reached that level of danger': Premier declares state of disaster

"These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating," Ms Allan said.

"Taking this step is about one thing: protecting Victorian lives.

"And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave - go."

The State of Disaster is declared for the following local government areas and alpine resorts:

Alpine Shire

Ararat Rural City

Colac Otway Shire

Corangamite Shire

East Gippsland Shire

Golden Plains Shire

Greater Bendigo City

Horsham Rural City

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)

Mansfield Shire

Mildura Rural City

Mitchell Shire

Moira Shire

Mount Alexander Shire

Murrindindi Shire

Pyrenees Shire

Strathbogie Shire

Towong Shire

Wellington Shire

Fires have impacted the south-west areas of Skipton and the Otways.

The fire advice for the Skipton area was updated at 9.15am on Saturday, January 10, 2025 with a Watch and Act for Carranballac, Skipton and Streatham.

"It is not safe to return to Carranballac, Streatham and the rural area of Skipton," authorities warn

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