Premier Daniel Andrews, Head of Bush Fire Recovery Victoria, Ken Lay, Member for Eastern Victoria, Jane Garrett, and CFA Deputy Chief Officer, Stephanie Rotarangi, visited the Orbost Incident Control Centre (ICC) and surrounds on Sunday to witness firsthand the results the emergency service agencies are achieving in the wake of the recent fires.

Escorted by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) operations manager, Grant Tucker, they were taken firstly to the lookout point of Mount Norman where they took in a comprehensive view of the landscape and the fire affected areas. They were then aken to sections of Princes Highway, which are currently closed to the public, to witness the huge task ahead of crews to gain access to isolated communities including Mallacoota.

The group visited the Orbost ICC where Incident Controller, Nigel Brennan, accompanied by incident management personnel, explained the firefighting tactics being used to bring the fires in this part of Gippsland under control.

Their tour finished with a trip to the Orbost Regional Health where they were greeted by chief executive officer, Vicky Farthing. They toured the premises and met with a young patient affected by the fires.

IMAGE: Premier Daniel Andrews (second from right) with Forest Fire Management Victoria operations manager, Grant Tucker (right), discuss the East Gippsland fire situation at the Orbost Incident Control Centre during the Premier’s visit to the region on Sunday. (PS)