Service arrangements
All Council Landfill and Transfer Stations will be CLOSED on Thursday, 21 November.
Green waste collections scheduled for Thursday, 21 November will be collected on Friday, 22 November.
Business will resume as normal on Friday, 22 November.
The below is a media release from Emergency Management Victoria, issued at 3.15pm on Wednesday, 20 November.
A Code Red Day signals the worst possible grass and bushfire conditions and the safest place to be is away from high risk fire areas within those districts.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said if a fire starts in the conditions predicted tomorrow (Thursday, 21 November) it will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Fire agencies will find these fires difficult to control.
There is a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured in these conditions.
The EMC has determined Thursday is a Code Red Day because a combination of high temperatures overnight, little relief followed up with predicted high temperatures and high wind speeds tomorrow which meets the criteria for the declaration of a Code Red Day.
A State-wide Total Fire Ban has been declared across the State to prevent new fires starting.
Mr Crisp said Victoria had not experienced a Code Red Day and this needed to be taken seriously.
“Our message to community members in these areas is that leaving high bushfire risk areas tonight or early tomorrow morning is the safest option,” he said.
“We know this can be difficult to plan for and some will find it inconvenient. As a result of the predicted conditions, some schools and early childhood centres will be closed in some weather districts and community services may not be available.
“Your plans need to suit your circumstances, however going to your nearest regional city centre, going to the movies, the pool, or a shopping centre are some options people can consider.”
Mr Crisp said it was already hot and people needed to ensure they were looking after themselves and others, particularly those who need additional assistance in the heat.
“Our community members should be prepared for fire, and know where to get information to make good decisions about your safety,” he said.
“Given fires could start and move quickly, you won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. The fire agencies advise you not to wait and see, it’s up to you to be prepared and to know what you will do”.
“The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas in a Code Red and leaving the night before or early in the day is the safest option.”
