During facilitated workshops, participants collaboratively capture existing plans into a matrix that measures them across the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery spectrum (PPRR).
The existing plans are being measured against six types of risk environments, as defined by CFA precincts. These include Business and Activity Centres, Farming and Rural Living, Industry and State Infrastructure, Bush and Parks and Township and Suburban Living.
The process effectively brings together current plans and identifies gaps, overlaps and opportunities to improve integration in fire management planning. It will then form a basis for the development and production of the first versions of integrated municipal fire management plans.
John Mealia, CFA Manager Community Safety Barwon Corangamite said the workshop “was an inspirational example of IFMP in action”.
CFA and DSE are leading the workshops supported by the Fire Planning Network Managers and the Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Corangamite Shire and Hepburn Shire are participating.
Many of the participants found the workshops informative and worthwhile. “Initially sceptical, I now have enhanced understanding of the way forward and confidence in the processes being used to develop Integrated Municipal Fire Management Plans,” said Eric Wright MFPO Hepburn Shire.
A second facilitated workshop will be held on 28 May, 2009 to build on previous work and incorporate any fire management components of current plans and programs from DHS, SES, Police, Powercor, VicRoads and Barwon Water into the municipal matrices.
Future integrated fire management plans will enhance PPRR planning across all fire risk environments (built, natural and chemical), include the ecological, agricultural and cultural use of fire as a tool plus incorporate community engagement and education.
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