Members of the fire affected communities of Wye River and Separation Creek will be updated on progress to return them to their homes at a community meeting on Sunday.
Specialist hygienists are in the community assessing the impact of asbestos following the Christmas day fire which destroyed more than one hundred homes.
Incident Controller, Alistair Drayton, said the result would determine whether it is safe for property owners, residents and campers from the fire affected area could return.
“We are doing everything we can to get property owners and residents back in and also allow campers to collect their equipment, but so far it hasn’t been safe,” Mr Drayton said.
“It’s important to give those affected by the fire an update on what’s being done to get them back in.”
Recovery authorities are working hard to manage risks posed by asbestos, septic tank damage, dangerous trees, live cable lines attached to Solar Power Units and the risks of landslides in the area.
Drayton said milder conditions had given firefighters a good opportunity to consolidate the western and northern edge of the fire.
“The Wye River –Jamieson Track fire is still not under control and the Great Ocean Road remains closed between Lorne and Skenes Creek.
“It is important residents continue to monitor fire information and weather conditions in their area through multiple information sources including media outlets and the Fire Ready App.”
However Drayton stressed Lorne and Apollo Bay remain safe for visitors and open for business as usual.
“There’s never been a better time to visit Lorne and Apollo Bay. They are the same idyllic summer destinations they have always been. Visitors aren’t just welcome, but vital to the local economy.”
A Fire Relief Concert will be held on the Lorne Foreshore next to the Surf Life Saving Club tomorrow; Sunday 3rd January from 2pm to 6pm. Artists include The Red Austins and Kayla Dwyer. All proceeds go toward the Great Ocean Road Fire Relief.
Community Meeting
What: Authorities will update property owners, residents and campers from the fire affected communities on progress for recovery and the return to properties.Representatives from response and recovery agencies will be in attendance to brief people about the return plan and risk situation in the Wye River area.
When: 11.00am Sunday 3rd January 2016
Where: Apollo Bay Leisure Centre, 34 Costin Street Apollo Bay
