New Township Protection Plans

Township Protection Plans (TPPs) are community guides that contain township-specific information, such as local risks, bushfire planning and preparation advice (for both people and properties), community maps and key contacts for emergencies.

CFA Southern Metropolitan Region TPP Coordinator Phillip Craig said TPPs were a valuable tool and contain important information that assists residents in the development of individual bushfire survival plans.

“The plans are the result of consultation with communities, local CFA brigades and local councils.” Mr Craig said.

“Communities have identified specific local risks, unique to them, which have been highlighted and addressed in the plan. Residents and visitors can use the TPP to ensure they prepared in the event of a fire.”

The 2011/12 fire season is expected to see a higher than usual grassfire risk, with large fuel loads a result of strong growth after a wet winter and spring. As those fuel loads dry out, the fire risk will be high.

TPPs will be mailed out to residents in early December. CFA urges residents to read the information and use it make important decisions about bushfire survival.

Actions may include:

• LEAVE EARLY – The night before or early in the day on CODE RED days;
• Preparing your home and property for the upcoming bushfire season;
• Developing a bushfire survival plan and discussing it with family and friends, and;
• Being aware of Fire Danger Ratings in your local area.

It is important residents keep their TPP in a safe place and use it this bushfire season.

Township Protection Plans have been developed for the following communities:

City of Casey

• Cannons Creek
• Warneet & Blind Bight
• Harkaway

Cardinia Shire

• Cockatoo
• Gembrook
• Maryknoll
• Pakenham Upper
• Upper Beaconsfield

Mornington Peninsula Shire

• Blairgowrie
• St Andrews Beach & Rye
• Main Ridge
• McCrae & Arthurs Seat

Bass Coast Shire

• Silverleaves
• The Gurdies
• Grantville
• Harmers Haven

TPPs are also available to be downloaded from the CFA website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au

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For more information contact:

CFA’s District 8 Headquarters on (03) 9767 1800

CFA Media (03) 5330 3124 (24hrs)