Gippsland remains on high alert
By Mathew Dunckley
There's been a lot of attention focused on Mallacoota where holidaymakers and locals had to take shelter on the beach and remain cut.
A firefighting helicopter tackling a bushfire near Bairnsdale in Victoria's East Gippsland.Credit:Victorian Government/AAP
Last night an updated warning was issued for the region which is reproduced below and which asks people to stay out of the affected areas.
At 7.08am there are still seven emergency warnings in place. There are two major groups of fires - several in East Gippsland and another outside Wodonga.
A fresh warning has been issued this morning for the Buchan Valley, in East Gippsland, where fires have been burning for days now.
Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the South Coast
The Princes Highway remains closed in the following locations:
- Between Falls Creek and Milton
- Between Batemans Bay and Moruya
- Between Brogo and Tilba Tilba.
The Transport Management Centre has advised motorists to stay away from these areas as there are no diversions available.
"Anyone already in a town is advised to stay there as there is no forecast for when the Princes Highway will reopen," a statement from the Transport Management Centre said.
Other roads remain closed, including:
South of Nowra:
- Jerrawangala to Tomerong - Turpentine Road is closed
- Wandandian - Wandean Road is closed between the Princes Highway and Bollerang Road
- Nowra Hill to Charleyong - Braidwood Road/Nerriga Road is closed.
Many roads along the New South Wales-Victorian border remain closed, including the Monaro Highway between Rockton and Cann River.
Roads are also closed on the Central Coast.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
'Severe' fire danger rating in place for Central Ranges
A total fire ban is in place for the southern ranges, central ranges and southern slopes.
The central rangers are also facing 'severe' fire danger conditions, while eight areas, including the greater Sydney region, greater Hunter and the southern ranges are facing 'very high' conditions.
'Harrowing experience for members of our community': Mayor of the Bega Shire Council
Mayor of the Bega Shire Council Kristy McBain told ABC News the community has lost businesses, homes and livestock following the fires that tore through the area on Tuesday.
She also addressed the deaths of two Cobargo locals, Patrick Salway and Robert Salway.
"It's heartbreaking for our community," she said.
"There are a number of injuries and they are at South East Regional Hospital, some are unable to be flown out because of conditions."
Councillor McBain said conditions in the area were "good, considering what we went through yesterday and the night before."
"We didn't really see any light during the day. Conditions have eased. There is no current wind here, which is fantastic. The last 24-48 hours have been a harrowing experience for members of our community right
across the board."
Photos show the devastation in fireground
Images by the Herald's photographers show the dangerous conditions many along the NSW South Coast faced on Tuesday.
Moruya on New Year's Eve.Credit:James Brickwood
Mogo resident Les extinguishes spots fires outside his property shortly after fires engulfed his street. Credit:James Brickwood
Tributes flow for father and son killed defending home
By Nick Bonyhady
Renee Salway, who lost her husband Patrick to the bushfires ravaging the South Coast overnight on Monday, has written of her devastation.
"I love you now, I love you still, I always have and I always will," said Mrs Salway, who is pregnant with the couple's second child. "I will see you again Patrick, my best friend. Hope you are up there 'fixing things in the stars tonight'".
Patrick Salway and his wife Renee. Credit:Patrick Salway's Facebook
"Thank you everyone for your concern. We are broken. Goodnight," Mrs Salway said.
Mr Salway, who already had one young son with Mrs Salway, died defending a home just outside the historic town of Cobargo on the NSW South Coast with his father Robert, who also perished.
Sydneysiders suffer from 'hazardous' air quality levels
Residents in Sydney's south-west are waking up to "hazardous" air quality levels, while those in Rozelle, Macquarie Park and Parramatta are waking to "very poor" levels.
Goulburn, Bathurst and Orange are also experiencing "hazardous" air quality levels.
Welcome to our bushfire coverage
Good morning and happy new year.
As of 7am, there are eight fires burning at 'Watch and Act' levels, with one in the Snowy Valleys and another in the Greater Hume area. Another fire burns near Lake Macquarie.
The remaining five fires are along the South Coast.
NSW RFS said there were 112 fires across NSW at 3am this morning, with over 2500 firefighters on the ground.
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