Council is calling on all levels of government to work in close partnership with Council and fire-affected communities to design and deliver a recovery effort that is locally informed, coordinated and sustained over the long term.
At a Special Council meeting held on Wednesday 21 January, Murrindindi Shire Council formally acknowledged the significant and far‑reaching impacts of the January 2026 bushfires, including the loss of homes, livelihoods, livestock, wildlife, local business activity and tourism, as well as prolonged community isolation.
Council expressed its deep sadness at the loss of Murrindindi resident Maxwell Hobson, extending condolences to his family, friends and the Terip Terip community.
Council also recognised the remarkable resilience and care shown by local communities and thanked those who have contributed to the Murrindindi Disaster Fund or provided goods, services, labour, equipment and other support.
Extraordinary efforts by emergency services, volunteers and partner agencies were also acknowledged, with Council reaffirming its commitment to stand alongside the community throughout the long recovery ahead.
At the Special Council Meeting, Council passed an urgent motion calling for:
- State and Federal governments to continue working in genuine partnership with Council, recognising Council's role as the designated recovery lead and the importance of community‑led, locally informed decision‑making.
- Explicit priority and targeted support for the recovery of the agricultural sector and local economy, acknowledging the essential role of farming, small business and tourism for the long‑term resilience of the Shire.
- Recognition and encouragement of ongoing public support, including financial donations, material aid, volunteer labour and skilled assistance - support that remains vital for the long recovery ahead.
To ensure a fast and effective response to the emergency, Council adopted a series of procedural enabling measures to enable rapid action, including temporary adjustments to procurement and financial delegations, alongside updated governance settings to ensure officers can act quickly where urgent recovery works are required.
Mayor Damien Gallagher said our community has endured immense loss.
"We stand with those who are grieving, and we honour the life of Maxwell Hobson.
"Recovery must be community‑led, locally informed and strongly supported by all levels of government. This will be a long journey, but we will walk it together.
"Our community is feeling the impact of these devastating bushfires, and we are determined to remove every possible barrier to a fast and effective recovery.
"Recovery on this scale requires rapid action, and these changes allow us to engage the right services at the right time, and our priority is supporting impacted residents, restoring essential infrastructure, and helping our towns get back on their feet."
You can read the full minutes and watch a recording of the Special meeting of Council on our website at murrindindi.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings
