Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a “State of Disaster” for 18 local government areas which includes Moira Shire.

The declaration will be in place for at least seven days (unless another declaration is made).

Victoria is battling catastrophic fire conditions not seen since the deadly Black Summer blazes six years ago as two bushfires rage in the state’s north and northeast.

More than 90,000 homes and businesses have lost power, with providers working quickly to switch them back on

Families in fire-affected areas will be able to access up to $2380 in financial relief

With the cold front approaching, authorities are still warning it will bring dry lightning instead of relief.

Roads remain closed, public transport has been disrupted, and some homes have been devastated by the fires.

The Premier is satisfied there is an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property in the following parts of Victoria:

• 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

In a statement, the Premier said: “This declaration gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger.”

“Tonight, we have reached that level of danger,” Ms Allan added.

“This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas.

“But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must.

“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. These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating.”

A State of Disaster:

• May be declared to exist in the whole, or parts, of Victoria.

• Exists immediately upon the making of the declaration and remains in force until February 8, 2026.

• Can be revoked or varied by the Premier at any time.

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Wednesday, 29th July 2026

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