By Adrian Black

Three homes and nearly a dozen outbuildings have been destroyed as a huge bushfire continues to burn out of control in Victoria.

Cooler, settled conditions in the Grampians have allowed emergency crews to start initial impact assessments.

The more than 380km-perimeter blaze has scorched over 75,000 hectares and is expected to burn into the new year due to dry conditions and difficult, mountainous terrain.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done to confirm the rest of the impact assessment,” State Control Centre spokesman Luke Hegarty said.

Three homes have been lost in Moyston, while 11 outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire across Moyston and Pomonal, which was devastated by fire earlier in 2024.

“These numbers will continue to evolve over the next couple of days,” Mr Hegarty said.

There have been significant livestock losses, particularly sheep.

Four watch and act alerts are current in and around western Victoria’s Grampians National Park, but the area from Long Gully Road to College Road remains unsafe.

Residents from Halls Gap can return home but they will have to show proof of address and have been urged to watch conditions closely.

“Look out for changes in conditions such as increased winds, change in wind direction, or increased smoke in the area. They should be triggers for you to consider enacting your fire plan,” Mr Hegarty said.

“Tourists to the area cannot enter Halls Gap at this time.”

Conditions in western Victoria are expected to remain settled and mild until Sunday, before westerly winds give way to warmer northerlies on Monday.

Hardship payments have become available for people with homes in evacuation areas or who have suffered property damage, via the state and federal-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the assistance included a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family to help cover essentials such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation.

“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian government as recovery needs become clear,” Senator McAllister said.

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said emergency relief funding would help families take care of basic necessities so they could focus on recovery.

As fire crews in Victoria enjoy the cool change, a total fire ban has been issued for NSW’s northern slopes region, as dry conditions, gusty winds and temperatures into the high 30s descend on Tamworth, Inverell and the Liverpool Plains.

“We do have heatwave conditions continuing, and warnings current for northeastern parts of New South Wales and much of Queensland,” weather bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said.

Multiple fires are burning or have recently been contained in NSW, but only one grass fire near Tamworth has progressed beyond the advice warning level.

Showers and storms developing during the afternoon and evening may be severe, Ms Scully said.