What does the Victoria state of disaster change for businesses and investors?

It gives authorities stronger powers to direct movement, close areas, and prioritise resources, which can affect access to premises, logistics, and trading hours. For investors, it increases the likelihood of staggered reopenings and delayed assessments of damage. It also tends to speed up coordination across agencies, which can improve restoration timelines. Monitor official updates to understand when inspections, re-connections, and business operations can safely resume.

How could the Natimuk fire affect insurance companies in the near term?

Insurers may see rising home, farm, and SME claims as access improves. Earnings impacts often come from claim volumes, deductibles, and handling expenses before reinsurance buffers kick in. Investors should watch early claim counts, deployment of assessors, temporary housing support, and any commentary on event aggregation. Clear guidance on timelines and customer assistance can stabilise sentiment even before final loss estimates are available.

What risks do power outages in Victoria pose to energy companies and customers?

Outages disrupt households and SMEs and increase operating costs for networks, which must inspect, repair, and replace damaged assets. Safety protocols and weather can slow reconnections. Investors should track restoration progress, resource deployment, and any guidance on repair costs or reliability metrics. For customers, plan for extended interruptions, protect perishables, and follow official advice on generator safety and electrical hazards during and after restoration.

What practical steps should SMEs around Horsham and Natimuk take this weekend?

Prioritise staff safety and follow evacuation and access directions. Document damage with photos and keep receipts for temporary repairs and stock protection. Secure critical data, check backup power, and communicate trading status to customers. Contact your insurer or broker to lodge an initial claim and ask about temporary accommodation or equipment coverage. Monitor official channels for road closures and re-opening times before scheduling deliveries or restarts.

Law and Government

Natimuk-Horsham Fires January 10: Insurance, Energy Impacts

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

The Natimuk fire and nearby Horsham fire have prompted a Victoria state of disaster, with at least 130 structures lost statewide and more than 19,000 properties without power. For investors, the Natimuk fire raises near-term risks for insurance claims, grid repair costs, and local business disruption as a total fire ban continues into Sunday. We outline how claims may develop, what to watch in power restoration, and how regional commerce could be affected as Watch and Act alerts remain in force.