New fire, high wind & water threats

The 6.00 o'clock news was not good tonight. It left me with a feeling of slight hopelessness!

The weather forecast for the next two days is of high temperatures and extreme gale force winds. Winds up to 150km an hour and temperatures over 38 degrees centigrade are expected. Our state of Victoria still has bush fires that have not been contained. With expected winds of such velocity, it does not bear thinking of the consequences. A few towns are on acute alert and many residents are warned to leave tonight if they choose to flee. We have been warned that power may be cut to many of Melbourne homes and to have a supply of candles/torches at hand.

To make matters worse some of these bushfires are not far from Melbourne's already critical water supply. Our main source of water is the Thompson dam and of today sits at 20% capacity. Extremely low! If the fires reach this dam there is a real threat it may pollute what water remains.

Our government seems to be unable to agree on water restrictions. The opposition feels we should be taken to the next level of restrictions whilst the governing rule wants to wait until November. I am utterly perplexed to why they are waiting. We are running out of water for our large population.

Economically, hundreds and hundreds of people are being laid off from their employers from companies that are setting up 'off shore'. Health cover costs are rising by double the inflation rate next month, severely effecting many families. We are told many will cancel their cover!

The 6.00 o'clock news tonight was definitely a great concern!