Help for high risk communities

The plans, which are being developed by CFA in consultation with emergency services, municipal councils and communities, will provide residents with information on key locations and facilities they may need during a bushfire, such as Neighbourhood Safer Places.

Each of the plans, which are supplementary to existing Municipal Protection Plans, provide information that will help residents make informed decisions when bushfires occur close to a township.

The at-risk communities are in 25 local government areas and include suburbs and towns in and next to bushland, plus summer tourist areas.

CFA Chief Officer Russell Rees said rigorous scientific evidence and forecasting had assisted in identifying the most vulnerable communities by taking into account factors such as population density; potential for extreme fire behaviour; proximity, type and volume of fuel load; how easy it is to leave safely; and community preparedness.

With the next fire season less than 10 weeks away, the Township Protection Plans are designed to assist communities to start preparing for the coming fire season.

With all the indications pointing to another severe bushfire season, Mr Rees said all Victorians needed to be on high alert.

“CFA will be working with all Victorian communities to help them prepare for the coming fire season but this pilot program is being trialled in 52 communities identified as being at high risk.

“Everyone must understand the risk in their local area and take the necessary steps to learn more about how to develop a bushfire survival plan. On days of high fire danger, the safest place to be is away from areas of risk.”

The 52 identified areas are:

•    Bendigo

•    Summer tourist areas: Airey’s Inlet townships, Anderson’s Inlet townships, Angelsea, Blairgowrie, Carlisle River, Lorne, Marengo, Rye/St Andrews, Sandy Point, Wye River townships.

•    Towns in bushland: Barongarook, Bemm River, Blackwood, Bolwarra, Cann River, Cockatoo, Creswick, Dereel, Gembrook, Greendale, Hepburn, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Noojee, Steiglitz, Trentham, towns near bushland including Barwon Downs, Breamlea, Castlemaine, Daylesford, Deans Marsh, Dunkeld, Forrest, Halls Gap, Jan Juc, Junortoun, Kawaren, Laver’s Hill, Loch Sport, Malacoota, Nelson, Peterborough, St Arnaud, Upper Beaconsfield, Woodend.

•    Suburbs in bushland: Warrandyte and North Warrandyte, Mt Helen/Mt Clear.

•    Suburbs near bushland: Eaglehawk, Maiden Gully, Kangaroo Flat and the Dandenong Ranges.

The new Township Protection Plans will be available before the 2009 fire danger periods are declared in regions across the state. Online links will be provided on CFA and local government websites.