Statement from the Governor of Victoria

As Victorians will now be aware, a State of Disaster has been declared and is now in effect across our State.

I wish to offer my particular thoughts and sympathies to those Victorians who have suffered the loss of their homes and businesses and whose livelihoods have been affected by the bushfires across our State.

I am relieved to learn that those who were unaccounted for from the Longwood fire, have since been found safe.

I join with the Premier in emphasising the need for Victorians to remain informed and follow and heed the advice from our Emergency Services personnel as they work around the clock to bring these fires under control.