IN THE most significant tragedy of Tuesday’s statewide storm event, a dairy farmer at Mirboo North has been killed.
Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed the news in a press conference on Wednesday morning, while saying the state had experienced catastrophic weather.
"Sadly, we have one fatality confirmed, a dairy farmer in Mirboo North who was killed in the storms that went through South Gippsland last night," she told media.
Worksafe is investigating the incident and it has been reported that a dairy farmer in his 50s who was using his four-wheel motorbike, was hit by part of a shed that became airborne during the storm.
A local man, formerly from Broome in WA, who has experienced tropical cyclones in the north of Western Australia said the storm which hit Mirboo North was worse than that.
Premier Allan has praised the efforts of emergency services to respond to the storm and power outages, also commending the five Ballarat firefighters who were injured fighting fires in the state’s west at Pomonal where some homes have been lost.
VFF President, Emma Germano, a resident of the Mirboo North area issued the following statement:
“On behalf of all Victorian farmers, the VFF extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mirboo North farmer sadly killed in yesterday’s wild weather. Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones left to mourn after this tragedy.”
“Farmers and regional Victorians remain stranded, powerless and in some cases burnt out almost a day after terrible fires and thunderstorms. The impact on our industry and regional communities is immense and once again have been left to pick up the pieces.”
“Victoria is still feeling the impact of one of our largest ever power blackouts and the complete lack of planning and resilience by the government is once again crippling our state. We must do better.”
It is understood that while most dairy farmers were able to continue with milking activities on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, they are unsure yet whether milk factories will be able to resume milk pickups after calling a halt to milk transportation in most cases on Tuesday evening, mostly due to the number of roads closed for fallen trees.