Council Recognises Community Resilience in Wake of Grampians Fires
Published on 24 April 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council voted to endorse the Grampians Fire Recovery Plan 2024-2025, to advocate for adequate funding and to continue recovery activities at April’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council took the opportunity to praise the incredible efforts of staff, emergency services, volunteers, and the wider community in responding to and recovering from the two major bushfires that burned across the Grampians region between December 2024 and February 2025.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said staff and community worked tirelessly together during the crisis.
“From the very beginning of these fires, our community stepped up to support the Southern Grampians,” said Cr Heslin.
“I’m proud to say that over 40 staff were involved in countering the bushfire —many through the Christmas and New Year break to assist with emergency response and community recovery.
“It’s vital for Council to continue to be able to support our community which can only be achieved by appropriate funding and resource allocation. To be able to deliver this plan is key in supporting locals to recover.
“A request for financial support has been made to State Government through the disaster funding arrangements.”
Council has developed a dedicated Recovery Plan, mapping out how it will continue supporting landholders, businesses, and community members over the months ahead. This plan will help Council to prepare for similar incidents in the future, to ensure a smooth and coordinated reaction.
Key actions that the plan has identified as part of recovery plan include:
- Dedicated Council Recovery position/s
- Increased business support, both financial and advice
- Resource provisions for farmers specifically to manage fire contaminated dams and post fire pasture management
- Community infrastructure support (e.g. Mirranatwa Tennis Courts)
- Financial and business management support for farmers
- Increased localised tourism recovery support, through promotion and marketing
- Establishment of a Community Recovery Committee Council Meeting
- Funding support for replacement of farm fencing and stockfeed, due to the ongoing drought conditions within southwest Victoria
- Support to replace damaged Council infrastructure
During the bushfire, Council staff worked around the clock supporting the firefighting response by providing equipment, ensuring water supply, as well as providing emergency relief to impacted community and ensuring community could access emergency information and advice. Since entering the recovery stage, Council shifted its focus to helping residents, businesses, and local tourism operators access critical recovery services, including linking into mental health support, financial aid, and rebuilding assistance.
For further information about the recovery process or to access available support, please visit our website or contact Council directly. To stay up to date with all things Council, please consider signing up to our monthly newsletter.