Bushfire preparations ramp up across the shire

LOCAL residents are being encouraged to continue their preparations for the approaching bushfire season, as fire authorities warn of the potential for an early start to the season.

Those living in areas of fire risk are advised to undertake spring clean-up and fuel reduction work and ensure their fire plans are well-prepared and practiced, elements that are crucial to protect both properties and lives.

“An earlier start to the fire season means community members need to start preparations now,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“By removing light and heavy fuels around your home, you’re protecting your property and helping firefighters defend it.

“Simple tasks such as clearing gutters, pruning overhanging branches, maintaining grass at a safe height, and moving wood piles away from your house or shed, can greatly improve your property’s chances of withstanding a bushfire.”

To support these efforts, garden waste vouchers will be sent out to shire residents with the October rates notice mail-out, allowing for the free disposal of three cubic metres of garden waste at the Winchelsea, Lorne and Anglesea transfer stations.

A number of community support programs and events are also set to take place across the Surf Coast Shire in the coming weeks to assist the community to get bushfire-ready.

On Sunday, November 3 between 9.30am and 11am, the Anglesea Fire Station will host a ‘Learning How to Live Here Safely’ session.

Presented by Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Peter Ashton, the meeting will arm locals with tips and hints for living with the bush, trees and natural environment.

A complimentary property advice service intended to check property preparedness is also being delivered to Anglesea residents this Saturday (October 19).

To register, contact the Anglesea Community House on (03) 5263 2116.

While exclusive to Anglesea residents, council officers can provide a similar service in other areas of the shire.

For more information, contact the shire’s country fire safety and environment team on (03) 5261 0600.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) have started delivering bushfire ‘Place of Last Resort’ information sessions across the region to educate residents on where to go when all other bushfire plans have failed.

These sessions will run locally in both Anglesea and Lorne on November 9 and 23, Winchelsea on November 2 and Deans March this Saturday (October 19).

For more information, head to the CFA South West Facebook page.

A series of webinars from Bushfire Resilience Inc informing the community about bushfire risk reduction, bushfire weather and the financial challenges that can follow natural disasters will begin on Monday, October 28.

To find out more, or to book a session, visit br.org.au/webinar.

Meanwhile, the shire will again collaborate with emergency relief agencies, as well as the Colac Otway Shire and Corangamite Shire councils for its annual Emergency Relief Centre exercise in Colac, which aims to prepare attendees to support the community during the relief stage of a major emergency incident.

Emergency Recovery Victoria regional recovery director Angela Carey said recovery needs to be swift and effective after an emergency.

“Planning exercises are essential to make sure all partners in emergencies are in the best possible position to anticipate and respond to the needs of the community after a major emergency,” she said.

“Victoria’s emergency management sector is well prepared for the season ahead, but being fire-ready is a shared responsibility.

“We all have a responsibility to understand the risk, have a fire plan in place and keep up-to-date with warnings on the VicEmergency app and website.”

More information can be found via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/community/emergencies-and-safety and cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare