Bushfire community meeting summary – Monday 12 January

Published on 12 January 2026

Fire activity

Expect to see an increase in smoke coming off the fire today. Don't be concerned. Fire crews are removing unburnt fuel within the containment line.

Damage estimates

Forty-six houses have been lost and several outbuildings. A number of businesses have been significantly impacted. There has also been significant impact to power and water infrastructure in town.

Many significant structures were saved as a result of good luck and the action of fire fighters. They include:

Harcourt Primary School
Rodilesa Nursery
Harcourt Community House
post office
community hall
recreation reserve hall and football ground
Le Coq Door restaurant and more.

Returning to affected properties

Fire and police authorities are aiming to invite people to come and assess their properties from 6.00pm tonight. A firm plan around registration will be shared around 3.00pm on Monday 12 January via the Mount Alexander Shire Council Facebook page and this web page.

The next step is the safe return on a fulltime basis. The goal is for that to happen tomorrow, Tuesday 13 January.

Power

Powercor has identified all infrastructure they need to repair. Forty-five workers from Powercor are in Harcourt and surrounds working on reconnecting services.

Water

A Do Not Drink advisory remains in place for Harcourt and Barkers Creek. Coliban Water is hoping to have supply reconnected tomorrow. There has been significant damage to water mains in Harcourt. Water is flowing in pipes in Barkers Creek. Work still needs to be done to restore pressure.

If people are aware of issues that haven't been highlighted, report to Coliban Water at: 1300 363 200.

Telecommunications

Telstra is onsite at the Castlemaine Recovery Hub. They will support residents who don't have communications in the fire-affected area.

Telstra has established free WiFi in Harcourt and at the Castlemaine Recovery Hub. You can get details on how to connect at the CFA in Harcourt and at the recovery hub at the Castlemaine Town Hall.

Telstra, NBN and Optus are working to restore their services as are radio and TV broadcasters.

Help for farmers

Emergency fodder is being made available for farmers in fire-affected areas. To request fodder, contact the Victorian Farmers Federation on 1300 882 833 or lodge a request on the Victorian Farmers Federation website.

Agriculture Victoria has advice for farmers who have experienced loss of stock or farming assets.

Train service

Vline has advised that they will have the rail line repaired by the end of day on Wednesday, which will lead to the reopening of the Bendigo-Melbourne rail corridor.

Injured wildlife

If you see injured wildlife, there is support available. You can:

contact Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300

find wildlife carers and organisations

Your mental wellbeing

The return to your property after an emergency is always a traumatic event. Help is available. Red Cross workers are present at the Recovery Hub and ready to chat to you and refer you to additional services as needed.

If you're feeling stressed, anxious or unsettled, you are not alone.

Support and advice is available to help you and those around you: