Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster across large parts of Victoria, covering 18 local government areas and one alpine resort, as authorities respond to escalating risks to life and property.
The declaration follows advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner, with the Premier stating she is satisfied that an emergency exists, or is likely to exist, that poses a serious and widespread danger across affected regions.
Areas covered by the declaration include Alpine Shire, Ararat Rural City, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Greater Bendigo City, Horsham Rural City, Mansfield Shire, Mildura Rural City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Pyrenees Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Towong Shire and Wellington Shire, along with the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
The State of Disaster takes effect immediately and will remain in force for seven days unless it is extended, varied or revoked earlier. Under the declaration, the government gains expanded powers to respond to the unfolding emergency, with the aim of protecting communities, emergency personnel and critical infrastructure.
The State of Disaster takes effect immediately and will remain in force for seven days unless it is extended
Those powers allow the Minister for Emergency Services to direct government agencies to act, or to pause certain functions, where this supports emergency response or recovery. The declaration also enables the temporary suspension of legislative requirements if compliance would hinder efforts on the ground.
In practical terms, authorities can take possession of private property if needed to manage the emergency, control movement into and out of affected areas, and order evacuations where conditions deteriorate. These measures are designed to give emergency services the flexibility required to respond quickly as conditions change.
Emergency management officials have stressed that the declaration is about readiness and coordination, allowing resources to be deployed where they are most needed while keeping public safety at the centre of decision-making.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to stay informed through official channels, follow advice from emergency services and prepare to act if evacuation warnings are issued as conditions evolve.
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