Communities affected by the devastating St Patrick’s Day fires won’t be forgotten, Emergency Services Minster James Merlino says.
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Mr Merlino, who was in the south-west on Thursday for education and marine rescue funding announcements, said he was impressed by the resilience of the communities.
He said the state government was looking at ways to support families affected by the recent fires. “We’re working with the federal government around disaster relief arrangements, making sure community are supported, not just during the fire and the immediate aftermath but in the weeks and the months post,” Mr Merlino said.
Emergency Management commissioner Craig Lapsley is constantly updating him on the current situation and Mr Merlino is aware of the ongoing need for disaster recovery and improved fire fighting resources in the region. “It’s important that we spread that investment right across regional Victoria and here in the south-west.”
The minister commended the work of volunteer and career firefighters for containing the fast moving fires which occurred at night and in high winds.
“You had fire fighters with 40 years experience who said this was their hardest fire fight they’ve had to deal with,” Mr Merlino said.
“To get through what was a very significant fire with no deaths and no serious injuries is a credit to our volunteer and career firefighters and broader community. It was a tough fight and they did a brilliant job.