Australia: Fully fuelled in villages in Victoria

Both towns lost their petrol stations at an bushfire on Black Saturday and while in many ways adjusting to the inconvenience of not having fuel on tap has been far from their worst experience, it has nonetheless been a constant challenge.

Michael and Tina Reddrop who recently opened the Foodworks Supermarket in Marysville put in the pumps at Marysville in February and the service in Kinglake was installed just last week by VBRRA (Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority) and the Murrindindi Council.

The Kinglake service is a temporary measure, being run by the operators of the old petrol station, with the hope of attracting a permanent commercial operator.

Marysville Caravan Park owner Christine Adams said having petrol back in town was another step forward. “It’s another step towards normality and provides a bit more freedom locally,” she said. “For me to know that the petrol is just there, and not to have to get to Buxton or Narbethong is a real plus.” It was also a great relief for tourists, Ms Adams said, who arrived in the town low on fuel, not realising the town was still a fuel-free zone.

Foodworks manager Belinda Smith said the response had been fantastic. “We still can’t believe we finally have petrol in the town; the town needs this service, especially the tradies,” she said.

Seymour MP and Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Recovery Ben Hardman was among those who topped up in Kinglake last Wednesday. He said having fuel on the mountain would make a significant difference to local and visiting motorists.

VBRRA chair Christine Nixon said a number of complex steps had to be negotiated before the outlet could be set up including finding an appropriately zoned site with an owner who was happy to give consent to its use. “There were also a number of critical regulatory and safety standards that had to be met and this took time,” Ms Nixon said. She urged people to support the service.