During the Easter holiday, fire-affected communities have received visitors, marking a positive step in the ongoing recovery process. The Murrindindi Shire, located near Melbourne, experienced the most significant devastation from the January bushfires in Victoria.
Reconstruction for residents is projected to take several years. The picturesque hills surrounding Yarck conceal the remnants of the intense fires that ravaged the region less than three months ago. Many of the hundreds of residences and structures lost in the Longwood fire, situated north of Melbourne, remain in ruins.
As residents begin to rebuild their lives, the Easter weekend festivities and tourism provide a glimmer of hope for renewal. “We are ready to welcome visitors,” stated Andrew Embling, a local community and business leader in Alexandra. “People are starting to return, which is encouraging.”
John and Heather Drysdale, who raise cattle and sheep in the fire-stricken areas of Yarck and Ruffy, reported that nearly all of their property was scorched. “Realistically, not much was left behind,” Mr. Drysdale remarked, pointing out that the remnants of their home consist of twisted metal and rubble.
Mrs. Drysdale added, “Everything is burnt so severely that there is really nothing salvageable.” She humorously noted the overwhelming mess that remains, likening it to neglecting housework for an extended period.
The Murrindindi Shire faced the most severe impact during the January fires, with twenty-two towns and localities affected. Mayor Damien Gallagher stated that the municipality has suffered approximately $50 million in damage to public infrastructure. “In terms of private losses, we’re discussing six to seven thousand sheep and cattle, which represents a significant portion of our livestock,” he explained.
Mayor Gallagher further highlighted that around 4,800 kilometers of fencing were destroyed, equivalent to the distance from Brisbane to Perth. “The community is grappling with about $120 million in fencing losses alone,” he noted.
Encouraging visitors to explore the countryside, Mayor Gallagher remarked that many locals are gradually returning to their daily routines as roads are reopened and schools resume. “The grass is beginning to green, but some residents are still facing the harsh reality of bent metal and rubble where their homes once stood,” he said.
Despite the lengthy rebuilding process ahead, local businesses and events are keen to welcome guests. “Murrindindi is open for business,” Mayor Gallagher affirmed, promoting the abundance of high-quality local produce available for visitors.
Although the fires did not reach Alexandra directly, they encircled the town on three sides. Mr. Embling noted that the town was closed for two to three weeks, resulting in significant revenue losses for businesses during that time. “We were devastated in January and February,” he stated, inviting people to visit the area. “If you’re looking to escape Melbourne, come out here and enjoy the countryside.”
As the Drysdales prepare their farm for the return of their cattle, which were relocated to other farms in Gippsland, Mr. Drysdale mentioned, “The cows are currently spread out over a large area, and ensuring their well-being is crucial.”
Rebuilding their fencing has become a top priority for the Drysdales. “Our land is quite steep, making it challenging to find someone to assist with fencing,” he explained. Mrs. Drysdale expressed concerns about the upcoming feeding season, recalling that they had hoped to avoid such a situation again.
While expecting their cattle back this month, the Drysdales acknowledge that rebuilding their home will take considerable time. “It will be a long process, likely years,” Mrs. Drysdale lamented, recognizing that many other homes were also lost and that numerous properties are still in distress. “I’m hopeful we might be in a new home within two years, but it’s uncertain,” she concluded.
