WINERIES and grape growers have come together to increase the preparedness, response, and recovery during region wide crisis events with the formation of the North East Wine Zone (NEWZ) Working Group.

NEWZ covers five wine regions including the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, King Valley and Rutherglen Geographic Indicators.

In 2021 the North East Wine industry contributed an estimated $1 billion to the North East economy.

This year the Hume Private Land Burn Coordination Meeting has been set up with a range of stakeholders who are working together to keep each other informed of any fire activity.

"With communication lines open, all stakeholders are able to be prepared and informed of fire activity in the North East Wine Zone this growing season," Rob Hawkings, chair of NEWZ said.

"Based on the latest weather outlook, the CFA is expecting this fire season to be below normal in North East Victoria, although the threat of damage from smoke to grapes as a result of grass fires is ever present."

The CFA introduced the Fire Danger Period in December for all municipalities in North East Victoria including, Alpine Shire, Rural City of Benalla, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire, Towong Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, City of Wodonga, Moira Shire, Strathbogie Shire and City of Greater Shepparton.

Information on the Joint Fuel Management Program can be found on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website interactive map Joint Fuel Management Program (JFMP) (ffm.vic.gov.au).

For the latest information on burns scheduled in your local area please register your interest at Planned Burns Victoria.

NEWZ is supported by Agriculture Victoria and AgBiz Assist. More information on the NEWZ community can be found at www.newzcommunity.au.