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| NSW, Victoria bushfires: Australia fires cause tens of thousands to flee in mass evacuation – live | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Victorian premier Daniel Andrews declares state of disaster for East Gippsland, urging people to flee bushfire zones, while Scott Morrison is abused by fire victims in Cobargo. Follow today’s live news and latest updates | Victorian premier Daniel Andrews declares state of disaster for East Gippsland, urging people to flee bushfire zones, while Scott Morrison is abused by fire victims in Cobargo. Follow today’s live news and latest updates |
| This video, released by authorities in Victoria, gives a sense of the scale of the bushfires burning in East Gippsland. It was filmed from a helicopter with a thermal camera. | |
| The bright white bits are the fire. | |
| There are five ‘evacuate now’ warnings in Victoria at the moment | |
| The most recent warning to evacuate was issued for Bessiebelle in western Victoria, in areas south of the Budj Bim National Park and Aboriginal heritage landscape, at 2.33pm. There’s an out of control bushfire in the national park, which is burning in a southerly direction. | |
| The other ‘evacuate now’ warnings are for Boggy Creek and Bullumwall in East Gippsland, which are under threat from the fire burning at Mount Taylor, north of Bairnsdale; and for two areas in the north-east, near Tallangatta along the Murray Valley Highway and at Towong, which is threatened by the Walwa fire. | |
| If you are in Victoria or travelling through Victoria, it’s a good idea to install the Vic Emergency app and set up your area of concern. You’ll then get alerts to your phone whenever a new warning comes through. If you are travelling into an area without phone reception, or if you lose phone or internet, tune into ABC local radio. | |
| Scott Morrison has just given an interview on ABC Radio in Victoria. He says the national security committee of cabinet will now meet tomorrow. | |
| The PM had said yesterday it would meet on Monday, which drew criticism from Anthony Albanese today. | |
| Asked why the delay to Monday, Morrison replied: “They are meeting tomorrow.” | |
| The prime minister, who is in Victoria today, also gave more details about the defence force’s involvement in the fire effort. | |
| He said 100 defence force reservists had now signed up to take part in ADF-led operations. | |
| When the Victorian government asks for more assistance, “we will keep saying yes every time”, Morrison said. | |
| There has been some movement in the Currowan fire at Shoalhaven. | |
| Good afternoon everyone. I am taking over our live coverage from Helen Davidson. | |
| Scott Morrison has just been on radio in Melbourne. We’ll bring you what he said shortly. If you want to send us information directly, you can reach me on Twitter @callapilla or at calla.wahlquist@theguardian.com | |
| This report is from NITV’s Madeline Hayman-Reber. You can read the full story here. | This report is from NITV’s Madeline Hayman-Reber. You can read the full story here. |
| The pregnant woman who refused to shake the prime minister’s hand during a photo opportunity at Cobargo says she lost everything in the fires that ravaged the town on New Year’s Eve. | The pregnant woman who refused to shake the prime minister’s hand during a photo opportunity at Cobargo says she lost everything in the fires that ravaged the town on New Year’s Eve. |
| Scott Morrison was met with heckling and abuse on Thursday night as angry locals told him they were unsatisfied with the response to fires that destroyed their town. | Scott Morrison was met with heckling and abuse on Thursday night as angry locals told him they were unsatisfied with the response to fires that destroyed their town. |
| In footage that quickly went viral, Zoey is seen shaking Morrison’s hand before saying she would only do so if the prime minister provided more funding for the Rural Fire Service. The prime minister took her hand anyway and then is seen walking away without saying anything further. | In footage that quickly went viral, Zoey is seen shaking Morrison’s hand before saying she would only do so if the prime minister provided more funding for the Rural Fire Service. The prime minister took her hand anyway and then is seen walking away without saying anything further. |
| In a post on Facebook, Zoey wrote: “I have lost everything I own.” She later added: “My house is burnt to the ground the prime minister turned his back on me.” | In a post on Facebook, Zoey wrote: “I have lost everything I own.” She later added: “My house is burnt to the ground the prime minister turned his back on me.” |
| Asked by a reporter how he could claim to being offering support when he walked away from the woman, Morrison replied: “I stood there with the same lady you’re referring to. | Asked by a reporter how he could claim to being offering support when he walked away from the woman, Morrison replied: “I stood there with the same lady you’re referring to. |
| “We talked about what she was asking there, which was greater support for the firefighting effort in that part of New South Wales. So we talked about that.” | “We talked about what she was asking there, which was greater support for the firefighting effort in that part of New South Wales. So we talked about that.” |
| Conditions have forced closures and cancellations of attractions and events in Canberra. | Conditions have forced closures and cancellations of attractions and events in Canberra. |
| The Canberra International tennis tournament, set to start on Monday, has been relocated to Bendigo in country Victoria due to bushfires and smoke haze in the region. The event is on the ATP Challenger Tour and the ITF Women’s circuit, and has eight top 100 men’s players and 20 women from the top 200 entered in the field. | The Canberra International tennis tournament, set to start on Monday, has been relocated to Bendigo in country Victoria due to bushfires and smoke haze in the region. The event is on the ATP Challenger Tour and the ITF Women’s circuit, and has eight top 100 men’s players and 20 women from the top 200 entered in the field. |
| “The health of players, fans, volunteers, staff and stakeholders is our biggest priority at all times,” Tennis ACT chief executive Kim Kachel said. | “The health of players, fans, volunteers, staff and stakeholders is our biggest priority at all times,” Tennis ACT chief executive Kim Kachel said. |
| The National Zoo and Aquarium is also closed this Saturday “due to the unprecedented combination of the ACT Government declaring a state of alert, an extreme fire warning and the continuation of poor air quality”. | The National Zoo and Aquarium is also closed this Saturday “due to the unprecedented combination of the ACT Government declaring a state of alert, an extreme fire warning and the continuation of poor air quality”. |
| The zoo said: “We apologise to any visitors and members that were planning on visiting the zoo tomorrow. However, we feel given the seriousness and combination of all of these unique factors, it is the most prudent course of action. Any individuals that have encounters or tours booked for tomorrow will be contacted in order to reschedule or, if that is not possible, receive a full refund.” | The zoo said: “We apologise to any visitors and members that were planning on visiting the zoo tomorrow. However, we feel given the seriousness and combination of all of these unique factors, it is the most prudent course of action. Any individuals that have encounters or tours booked for tomorrow will be contacted in order to reschedule or, if that is not possible, receive a full refund.” |
| The WNBL announced on Friday it had cancelled Sunday’s round 12 basketball game between the UC Capitals and Perth Lynx, due to be played at the AIS. | The WNBL announced on Friday it had cancelled Sunday’s round 12 basketball game between the UC Capitals and Perth Lynx, due to be played at the AIS. |
| Officials said heavy smoke, caused by the NSW bushfires, was impacting air quality inside the venue. | Officials said heavy smoke, caused by the NSW bushfires, was impacting air quality inside the venue. |
| Football Federation Australia also announced that the W-League round eight match between Canberra United and Sydney FC on Sunday had been postponed. | Football Federation Australia also announced that the W-League round eight match between Canberra United and Sydney FC on Sunday had been postponed. |
| There is a final opportunity for people to evacuate Cann River. | There is a final opportunity for people to evacuate Cann River. |
| Morrison is getting grilled on the community anger directed at him, particularly in recent days, and about his leadership. | Morrison is getting grilled on the community anger directed at him, particularly in recent days, and about his leadership. |
| His responses are recognising that people are “angry”, “raw”, and have “suffered great loss”, but not that the feelings are specifically towards him. | His responses are recognising that people are “angry”, “raw”, and have “suffered great loss”, but not that the feelings are specifically towards him. |
| “People are angry, and... if people want to direct that at me, that is up to them. It’s not something that will distract me. It is something that I will empathise with. It is something that I understand. It’s not something for me to take personally.” | “People are angry, and... if people want to direct that at me, that is up to them. It’s not something that will distract me. It is something that I will empathise with. It is something that I understand. It’s not something for me to take personally.” |
| He’s asked about calls for more aerial firefighting equipment, and if we have sought more from overseas countries. He says that is a matter for emergency chiefs, but there has been one request made very recently from one of the states. No details on that though. | He’s asked about calls for more aerial firefighting equipment, and if we have sought more from overseas countries. He says that is a matter for emergency chiefs, but there has been one request made very recently from one of the states. No details on that though. |
| Asked about Greg Mullins comparing his response to the fires with Trump’s response to mass shootings, Morrison corrects the reporter to say Mullins is the “former” chief fire commissioner. | Asked about Greg Mullins comparing his response to the fires with Trump’s response to mass shootings, Morrison corrects the reporter to say Mullins is the “former” chief fire commissioner. |
| “This is not about any one individual - not me or anyone else. We all have to a job do.” | “This is not about any one individual - not me or anyone else. We all have to a job do.” |
| Questions now, and the first one is about his reception in Cobargo. | Questions now, and the first one is about his reception in Cobargo. |
| “People are frustrated. People have suffered great loss. They’re feeling very raw, particularly where I was yesterday. And that’s the case in many parts of the country. And so I understand how people are feeling. And however they wish to respond is a matter for them. All I seek to do is to provide the support of the Commonwealth government and to assure them of everything we are doing to support them in this time of need.” | “People are frustrated. People have suffered great loss. They’re feeling very raw, particularly where I was yesterday. And that’s the case in many parts of the country. And so I understand how people are feeling. And however they wish to respond is a matter for them. All I seek to do is to provide the support of the Commonwealth government and to assure them of everything we are doing to support them in this time of need.” |
| A follow-up question from the reporter who says it didn’t look like he was being that supportive, noting he walked away from the woman who didn’t want to shake his hand. | A follow-up question from the reporter who says it didn’t look like he was being that supportive, noting he walked away from the woman who didn’t want to shake his hand. |
| Morrison says he talked to the woman about what she was asking for – greater support for the RFS. | Morrison says he talked to the woman about what she was asking for – greater support for the RFS. |
| Asked about Andrew Constance, Liberal government minister in NSW, saying he probably got the welcome he deserved. | Asked about Andrew Constance, Liberal government minister in NSW, saying he probably got the welcome he deserved. |
| “I’ve known Andrew for a long time and I’ve reached out to him today.” | “I’ve known Andrew for a long time and I’ve reached out to him today.” |
| Morrison says he thought they had contacted Constance to tell him they were coming to the electorate, but realising they hadn’t, he has apologised. | Morrison says he thought they had contacted Constance to tell him they were coming to the electorate, but realising they hadn’t, he has apologised. |
| “I assumed that he was otherwise occupied on that day, which would be completely understandable. But Andrew’s been through a terrible, terrible experience and ordeal, and so I totally understand how he’d be feeling.” | “I assumed that he was otherwise occupied on that day, which would be completely understandable. But Andrew’s been through a terrible, terrible experience and ordeal, and so I totally understand how he’d be feeling.” |
| Morrison acknowledges that these fires are at an unprecedented scale. | Morrison acknowledges that these fires are at an unprecedented scale. |
| In some contrast to previous appearances, Morrison is much more focused and emphatic on the Commonwealth’s role in the disaster response. | In some contrast to previous appearances, Morrison is much more focused and emphatic on the Commonwealth’s role in the disaster response. |
| Darren Chester is addressing media about East Gippsland, with Morrison beside him. | Darren Chester is addressing media about East Gippsland, with Morrison beside him. |
| I’ll bring you the main points. | I’ll bring you the main points. |
| “Having been out on the fireground today and met with people who lost everything, their spirit and determination is simply magnificent,” said Chester. | “Having been out on the fireground today and met with people who lost everything, their spirit and determination is simply magnificent,” said Chester. |
| “We’re in for some pretty tough times again over the next 36 hours. We just received briefings again about the risk, and the number one consideration for us all is the safety of our community.” | “We’re in for some pretty tough times again over the next 36 hours. We just received briefings again about the risk, and the number one consideration for us all is the safety of our community.” |
| Morrison says there are “some gruelling days ahead”. | Morrison says there are “some gruelling days ahead”. |
| “What I have been pleased to see here has been the absolute integration of the local efforts together with the state efforts and the efforts of the Australian Defence Force.” | “What I have been pleased to see here has been the absolute integration of the local efforts together with the state efforts and the efforts of the Australian Defence Force.” |
| He says 57 people have left Mallacoota on the MB Sycamore, and HMAS Choules will be leaving shortly, with about 900 on board. | He says 57 people have left Mallacoota on the MB Sycamore, and HMAS Choules will be leaving shortly, with about 900 on board. |
| Mallacoota is receiving 12,000 litres of fuel every day, principally through air support. | Mallacoota is receiving 12,000 litres of fuel every day, principally through air support. |
| He said a lot of the missing people are from remote areas without communication. | He said a lot of the missing people are from remote areas without communication. |
| Morrison urges people to get to places of safety before the situation is “far more dangerous” tomorrow. | Morrison urges people to get to places of safety before the situation is “far more dangerous” tomorrow. |
| “That evacuation effort today is extremely important and has a very big focus from the Commonwealth.” | “That evacuation effort today is extremely important and has a very big focus from the Commonwealth.” |
| The ADF is working with state emergency services to get key roads open, Morrison says, and with state governments to set up evacuation centres and providing accomodation. He stresses it won’t be a “tent city”. | The ADF is working with state emergency services to get key roads open, Morrison says, and with state governments to set up evacuation centres and providing accomodation. He stresses it won’t be a “tent city”. |
| A community briefing in Jindabyne painted a grim picture of the deteriorating fire conditions across the Snowy-Monaro shire area. | A community briefing in Jindabyne painted a grim picture of the deteriorating fire conditions across the Snowy-Monaro shire area. |
| Rocky Plains fire captain, David Fletcher, told a crowd of approximately 1,500 that spilled out of the memorial hall that all the fires in the area were not contained. They expected 40 km/h winds gusting up to 70 km/h which would make the fires intense and erratic, and they expected spot fires well ahead of the front on Saturday. | Rocky Plains fire captain, David Fletcher, told a crowd of approximately 1,500 that spilled out of the memorial hall that all the fires in the area were not contained. They expected 40 km/h winds gusting up to 70 km/h which would make the fires intense and erratic, and they expected spot fires well ahead of the front on Saturday. |
| Fletcher predicted the fires to the south in Victoria were expected to cross the border and impact their area sometime on Saturday. He said 87 heavy plant were currently working on existing fires and building containment lines. He could not guarantee a fire fighting appliance at every property and urged residents to stay ONLY if they had the resources, skills, and capacity to defend their properties. | Fletcher predicted the fires to the south in Victoria were expected to cross the border and impact their area sometime on Saturday. He said 87 heavy plant were currently working on existing fires and building containment lines. He could not guarantee a fire fighting appliance at every property and urged residents to stay ONLY if they had the resources, skills, and capacity to defend their properties. |
| Brad Hughes from Jindabyne police asked that people who intended to evacuate to move on from the area if they could, as accommodation in Cooma and other towns was already stretched with displaced persons from the south coast fires. | Brad Hughes from Jindabyne police asked that people who intended to evacuate to move on from the area if they could, as accommodation in Cooma and other towns was already stretched with displaced persons from the south coast fires. |
| Evacuation centres have been set up at the Bombala community centre and the Multi Function Centre at Cooma showgrounds. There is no evacuation centre in Jindabyne because of the risk of fire impacting the town. | Evacuation centres have been set up at the Bombala community centre and the Multi Function Centre at Cooma showgrounds. There is no evacuation centre in Jindabyne because of the risk of fire impacting the town. |
| The saleyards at Cooma and Bombala are open for large animals who have been evacuated, feeding them is the sole responsibility of the owners. | The saleyards at Cooma and Bombala are open for large animals who have been evacuated, feeding them is the sole responsibility of the owners. |
| Horses can be stabled at the Cooma Showground, smaller animals, birds in cages and chickens are also being catered for at the Multi Function Centre in Cooma. These facilities are managed by the Department of Communities and Justice.The mayor of the Snowy-Monaro shire, Peter Beer, reiterated that emergency services will not be able to support everyone and that they really did not know exactly what would happen Saturday. | Horses can be stabled at the Cooma Showground, smaller animals, birds in cages and chickens are also being catered for at the Multi Function Centre in Cooma. These facilities are managed by the Department of Communities and Justice.The mayor of the Snowy-Monaro shire, Peter Beer, reiterated that emergency services will not be able to support everyone and that they really did not know exactly what would happen Saturday. |
| Community recovery assistance has been extended for bushfire-hit communities in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Mid-Western council areas, the emergency management minister David Littleproud has announced. | Community recovery assistance has been extended for bushfire-hit communities in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Mid-Western council areas, the emergency management minister David Littleproud has announced. |
| This brings the total support to more than $80m and includes: | This brings the total support to more than $80m and includes: |
| Recovery grants of up to $15,000 for farmers and small businesses | Recovery grants of up to $15,000 for farmers and small businesses |
| $4.5m in funding for additional mental health support and local led economic and community resilience initiatives | $4.5m in funding for additional mental health support and local led economic and community resilience initiatives |
| “The Federal Government will stand by these communities until they’re back on their feet and will make further assistance available as it is needed,” Littleproud said. | “The Federal Government will stand by these communities until they’re back on their feet and will make further assistance available as it is needed,” Littleproud said. |
| Most people appear to have seen this footage by now, but here are the two now infamous handshake attempts by Scott Morrison. | Most people appear to have seen this footage by now, but here are the two now infamous handshake attempts by Scott Morrison. |
| Here’s the follow up to one of the interactions, from ABC reporters on the ground. | Here’s the follow up to one of the interactions, from ABC reporters on the ground. |
| He reportedly received a warmer welcome in Lucknow, Victoria, in that no one yelled at him. Here’s one account of the stopover. | He reportedly received a warmer welcome in Lucknow, Victoria, in that no one yelled at him. Here’s one account of the stopover. |