DEECA Hume

DEECA Hume Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action - Hume region This page keeps you informed of DEECA's activities in the Hume region.

Our climate is changing and the effects are being felt around the world. Victoria has set an ambitious climate action agenda with a strong focus on establishing a renewable energy sector, reducing emissions and preparing for a future with less water. At the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, we will lead this exciting work, bringing together the energy, environment, climate acti

on, water, agriculture and resources portfolios, in addition to its vital role in emergency management. We are working to meet strong targets to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. We are rapidly progressing work to grow a strong renewable energy sector here in Victoria to support our solar, battery and offshore wind initiatives, ensuring that people have access to reliable and affordable energy. We are supporting our agricultural, water and resources sectors to adapt and become more resilient to the effects of climate change while driving sustainable production and economic growth. Victoria has an unmatched native landscape and we continue to work with Traditional Owners and other partners to protect and preserve it, ensuring a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment. Bringing these portfolios into a single department allows us to draw on knowledge and expertise of these critical sectors and work together to deliver the Victorian Government’s leading climate action and environmental protection agenda. Hume region stretches from Corryong and Barmah in the north to Marysville, Toolangi and Wallan in the south. Regional cities and centres include Wodonga, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla and Seymour, with 12 local government areas. We value the comments and contributions we receive on social media. While we encourage people to join the conversation, we will not tolerate disrespectful, offensive, crude, hateful or irrelevant comments, or comments that make another person feel unsafe. Please keep all comments and discussion respectful and courteous. You can view our full social media policy on our website.

Spring is the ideal time to replenish firewood stocks for next winter. Firewood collection areas are now open and maps ...
01/09/2026

Spring is the ideal time to replenish firewood stocks for next winter.

Firewood collection areas are now open and maps are online - https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/find-a-firewood-collection-area

Residents from towns and communities in the Upper Murray should check maps carefully. Some firewood collection areas will have changed following the large Walwa River Road fire earlier this year.

If you rely on firewood for heating and cooking plan ahead and organise your collection now.

It is very important that when collecting firewood you do it safely.

This means understanding the conditions in the forest, ensuring you have the right equipment and checking weather conditions before you go.

Remember:
🚧 Check daily fire conditions and road closures before travelling to collection areas.
🔥 Firewood collection rules and limits apply – please do the right thing and follow them. Penalties apply for those caught breaking the rules.
💲 Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who rely on firewood as their sole source of heating and buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support or https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/non-mains-energy-concession

Welcome home 👨‍🚒The first contingent of 28 Victorian firefighters and specialists has returned from North America, where...
31/08/2026

Welcome home 👨‍🚒

The first contingent of 28 Victorian firefighters and specialists has returned from North America, where they supported wildfire operations across Canada and the United States🔥

Representing Forest Fire Management Victoria, CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Parks Victoria, they helped manage more than 200 fires that have burnt nearly 12 million acres.

Thank you for stepping up to support communities across the globe 🌏
VicEmergency - Hume

Human cases of H5 bird flu are very rare and it has not been shown to spread easily from person to person. As a precauti...
30/08/2026

Human cases of H5 bird flu are very rare and it has not been shown to spread easily from person to person.
As a precaution, people who regularly work or interact closely with birds, particularly sick or dead birds, should follow standard safety advice and hygiene measures.
If you come into contact with sick or dead wildlife and you develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor for medical advice and let them know about any contact with sick or dead wildlife in the last 10 days.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
RECORD what you see
REPORT it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online through the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
For more information about H5 bird flu and human health visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bird-flu-avian-influenza

Victorian Department of Health

🖥️ Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birdsDo you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to fi...
26/08/2026

🖥️ Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birds

Do you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to find out more about how to lower the risk of H5 bird flu spreading to your flock?

Join the H5 bird flu in backyard poultry webinar
📅 Friday 28 August
🕚 1.30 pm to 2.30pm
🔗 Click to register: go.vic.gov.au/4wLtX9g

In the meantime, you can help by continuing to:

🚫 AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
📝 RECORD what you see, including:
• Location
• Species
• Number of animals affected
📞 REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

👉 More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Read more 🔗 go.vic.gov.au/4gNznME

While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions. If you're out walking your dog or...
26/08/2026

While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.

If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:

✅Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
✅ Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
✅Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife

These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare

Planning on collecting firewood this spring for next winter? The spring firewood collection season starts on Tuesday 1...
23/08/2026

Planning on collecting firewood this spring for next winter?
The spring firewood collection season starts on Tuesday 1 September.
Maps of firewood collection areas will go online on that date at ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.

🐦 Magpie swooping season is here As spring approaches, some native birds become protective of their nests and young. Swo...
18/08/2026

🐦 Magpie swooping season is here

As spring approaches, some native birds become protective of their nests and young. Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that helps keep eggs and chicks safe.

If you're out walking, riding or enjoying local parks, remember to:

✅ Avoid known swooping hotspots
✅ Move calmly and quickly through the area
✅ Wear protective head and eye coverings if needed
✅ Never harass birds or disturb nests

Help others stay informed by reporting swooping bird incidents on Victoria's interactive map: https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds

All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law.

📢 H5 bird flu update: 12 AugustThere are increasing detections of H5 bird flu in the state.There have now been detection...
12/08/2026

📢 H5 bird flu update: 12 August

There are increasing detections of H5 bird flu in the state.

There have now been detections at:
📍 Phillip Island
📍 Mornington Peninsula
📍 Mildura
📍 Warrnambool
📍 Yambuk and Hamilton.

These cases are in addition to known locations in south-west Victoria, the Great Ocean Road region and Melbourne's south-east.

You can help by continuing to:

🚫 AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
📝 RECORD what you see, including:
• location
• species
• how many
📞 REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

⚠️ Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
⚠️ Report even one sick or dead:
• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

🔬 We will assess each report and decide if testing and sampling are needed based on location and species type. Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.

🐔 Reminder: A poultry housing requirement for flocks of 50 or more birds is in place in coastal and southern Victorian shires, including metropolitan Melbourne.

📢 We will continue monitoring the situation and provide further information as it becomes available.

The recent Emergency Management Conference 2026 was an opportunity for DEECA staff to share expertise, learn from collea...
06/08/2026

The recent Emergency Management Conference 2026 was an opportunity for DEECA staff to share expertise, learn from colleagues across the sector and strengthen the partnerships that keep communities safer👨‍🚒

Presenters explored topics including:
✅ Strengthening engagement with Traditional Owners
✅ Protecting cultural heritage during emergencies
✅ Supporting personnel returning from active deployments
✅ Showcasing emerging research and innovative projects

The event provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from peers and strengthen the partnerships that help keep communities safer and more resilient.

Together, we’re building stronger partnerships and more resilient communities.

Visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/media-releases/deeca-staff-share-expertise-at-emergency-management-conference

VicEmergency - Hume

When wildfires push firefighting agencies to their limits, experience matters🚒Twenty Forest Fire Management Victoria per...
04/08/2026

When wildfires push firefighting agencies to their limits, experience matters🚒

Twenty Forest Fire Management Victoria personnel are helping communities thousands of kilometres from home, supporting one of the United States' most challenging wildfire seasons👨‍🚒

They're leading crews, coordinating aircraft, managing incidents and sharing the knowledge they've gained protecting Victorian communities🛩️

Every deployment is a reminder that Victorian firefighters are recognised around the world for their skill, professionalism and leadership✅

To read the full story, visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/media-releases/ffmvic-answers-the-call-during-one-of-americas-toughest-wildfire-seasons

VicEmergency - Hume

Address

89 Sydney Road
Benalla, VIC
3672

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+61136186

Website

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