Opinion & Perspectives
21 March, 2026
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: bushfire risk and questioning the Big Build projects
Here's some of your thoughts.
Working together to reduce bushfire risk
AS WE move into autumn, we reflect on the challenges brought by recent extreme heat and bushfires across our state. These events reminded us how important preparation, quick response and community resilience are.
This summer’s bushfires have been some of the most destructive Victoria has faced in years. Fast‑moving fires burned through more than 400,000 hectares, destroyed buildings and homes, and sadly took the life of a local near Longwood.
Communities in areas such as Longwood, Walwa and Harcourt faced fierce fires driven by extreme heat, strong winds and very dry conditions after months of low rainfall followed by rapid grass growth.
These conditions meant fires moved quickly and unpredictably, placing enormous pressure on both residents and emergency crews.
We feel deeply for the communities affected. I want to thank our crews, contractors, incident management teams and partner agencies for their hard work to keep Victoria safer.
Many of our staff live in the same areas that were impacted. They often support and reassure their own communities while also fighting fires – a tremendous effort that shows their commitment and strength.
Victoria faces a higher fire risk this autumn. We’re closely monitoring conditions, staying ready to respond and making sure resources are placed where they’re needed most.
We’re learning from recent events and continuing to strengthen our strategies.
Recent good rainfall across much of the state will provide opportunities to burn, however the seasonal outlook shows a higher chance of warmer days through autumn, which may delay the start of planned burning in some areas.
East Gippsland and some locations near Melbourne are an exception, as rainfall there has been more consistent.
We manage Victoria’s bushfire risk in a holistic way. Planned burning is an important tool, but it’s not the only one.
Large, intense fires still threaten the things we care about – our communities, the environment and the services we rely on.
Victoria’s natural environments are unique, so fuel management must be balanced with caring for the land. Our firefighters and fire managers are world‑class. We use the latest research from around the world, but we apply it to Victoria’s conditions and landscapes.
There is no single solution. We reduce fuel‑driven bushfire risk in many ways, including:
planned burning and non‑burn fuel management
preventing new ignitions through fire bans and campfire controls
early detection from fire towers and reconnaissance flights
rapid first attack by aircraft, rappel crews and ground teams
community engagement and timely emergency warnings through VicEmergency.
Autumn usually gives us more chances to carry out planned burns because the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour is more predictable.
As soon as conditions are suitable, our crews will begin planned burning across the state.
Please be aware that some forests and roads may be closed during and after these operations. Check the Planned Burns Victoria website before travelling to make sure your trip isn’t affected.
While planned burns do create smoke, they help reduce the dry vegetation that fuels bushfires. Smoke from a planned burn is usually lower in intensity and shorter‑lasting than smoke from a large bushfire, and communities are notified in advance so people can take steps to protect their health.
If you live in or visit an area where planned burning is happening, you’ll likely see FFMVic firefighters preparing sites or carrying out burns. They’re the ones in the green firefighting uniforms.
For updates about where and when burns are planned, visit: www.plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
Chris Hardman
Chief Fire Officer - Forest Fire Management Victoria
Billions spent on big builds - why?
VICTORIA’S regional communities are being short-changed. While families, farmers and small towns struggle with basic infrastructure needs, billions of dollars meant for public projects have vanished.
At least $15 billion has been lost to cost blowouts and corruption across the Allan Labor Government’s Big Build projects.
That is $15 billion that should have been invested in regional Victoria.
In Parliament recently, every non-government party supported establishing a Royal Commission into Labor’s $15 billion CFMEU corruption scandal.
A Liberal and Nationals motion in the Legislative Council calling for a Royal Commission into corruption on Big Build sites was backed by every crossbench party. Labor voted against it.
Fifteen billion dollars could have rebuilt unsafe regional roads, delivered reliable power to our communities, upgraded ageing country schools, strengthened regional hospitals, expanded mental health services and improved public transport for towns that are too often overlooked.
Instead, regional Victorians are left watching billions disappear while their most basic infrastructure needs remain unmet.
Regional communities deserve better. They deserve transparency, accountability and straight answers about where their money has gone.
Jade Benham
Mildura MP
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