DEECA Barwon South West

DEECA Barwon South West Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action - Barwon South West region Our climate is changing and the effects are being felt around the world.

This page keeps you informed of DEECA's activities in the Barwon South West region. 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, c

limate action, 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. Barwon South West region stretches from the You Yangs to the South Australian border. The region encompasses the local government areas of; City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, City of Warrnambool, Moyne Shire, Southern Grampians Shire and Glenelg Shire. 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.

The Anderson Point steps in Portland are closed until further notice due to serious safety concerns.  Significant erosio...
01/09/2026

The Anderson Point steps in Portland are closed until further notice due to serious safety concerns.

Significant erosion, slope deterioration and cliff instability have made the area unsafe for public access.

Large swells, heavy rainfall and coastal erosion have impacted the steps over time, causing stability issues where the steps join the cliff face.

The closure includes additional safety signage as well as barricades to both the top and bottom of the steps.

DEECA is working with Glenelg Shire Council on cliff risk treatment at Portland Cliffs.

Have questions about H5 bird flu? Join us for a community information session in Torquay. Our wildlife and agriculture s...
01/09/2026

Have questions about H5 bird flu?
Join us for a community information session in Torquay.

Our wildlife and agriculture staff will share the latest information about H5 bird flu, provide local updates, explain what to do if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, and answer your questions.

πŸ“ Surf Coast Civic Centre (1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay)
πŸ“… Monday, 7 September 2026
πŸ•’ 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Come along to learn more and ask questions.
Registrations required on surfcoast.vic.gov.au/birdflu

More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Surf Coast Shire Council
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
Great Ocean Road Parks

Spring is the ideal time to head out to state forests  to replenish firewood stocks for next winter. Firewood collection...
01/09/2026

Spring is the ideal time to head out to state forests 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

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

We want you to have a good time, but 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.
πŸ”₯ Firewood collection rules and limits apply – please do the right thing and follow them. Penalties apply for those caught breaking the rules.
πŸ’² 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 πŸ‘¨β€πŸš’The first contingent of 28 Victorian firefighters and specialists has returned from North America, where...
31/08/2026

Welcome home πŸ‘¨β€πŸš’

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

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 - Barwon South West

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

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:

βœ…Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
βœ… Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
βœ…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

πŸ–₯️ 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

πŸ–₯️ 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
πŸ“… Friday 28 August
πŸ•š 1.30 pm to 2.30pm
πŸ”— 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.
πŸ“ RECORD what you see, including:
β€’ Location
β€’ Species
β€’ Number of animals affected
πŸ“ž REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ”— go.vic.gov.au/4gNznME

Planning on collecting firewood this spring?  The spring firewood collection season starts on Tuesday 1 September.  Maps...
23/08/2026

Planning on collecting firewood this spring?
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.

Looking for information about H5 bird flu?Our team will be available at Gateway Plaza in Warrnambool this Thursday to an...
19/08/2026

Looking for information about H5 bird flu?

Our team will be available at Gateway Plaza in Warrnambool this Thursday to answer questions, provide advice and discuss what's happening locally.

πŸ“ Gateway Plaza, 154 Raglan Parade
πŸ“… Thursday, 20 August
πŸ•’ 12 noon to 2pm

Come along to learn more and ask questions.

More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Warrnambool City Council

Have questions about H5 bird flu? Join us for a community information session in Apollo Bay.Our wildlife and agriculture...
18/08/2026

Have questions about H5 bird flu? Join us for a community information session in Apollo Bay.

Our wildlife and agriculture staff will share the latest information about H5 bird flu, provide local updates, explain what to do if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, and answer your questions.

πŸ“ Apollo Bay Bowling Club
πŸ“… Wednesday 19 August 2026
πŸ•’ 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Come along to learn more and ask questions.

More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Colac Otway Shire Council
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

Address

Corner Fenwick And Little Malop Streets
Geelong, VIC
3220

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

136 186

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