Bushfire refuge in Lorne to temporarily close

ONE of Lorne’s two Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) will be off-limits early next year as part of development works at Point Grey.

At their meeting on Tuesday this week, councillors unanimously resolved to temporarily close the BPLR at Point Grey one week before the Great Ocean Parks and Coast Authority (GORCAPA) begins construction works.

Following the 2009 Black Saturday fires and recommendations from the subsequent Bushfires Royal Commission, Victorian councils must legally identify, designate, establish and maintain suitable BPLRs, which are locations that may provide some protection from direct flame and heat from a fire, but do not guarantee safety.

Due to construction materials and access restrictions, the Point Grey BPLR will not meet the CFA’s compliance criteria once works start.

Lorne’s other BPLR, the town’s foreshore near the Lorne Sea Baths, is unaffected and will remain open.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Leon Walker said the shire and GORCAPA, and other agencies, would let the community know more closer to the closure of the Point Grey BPLR.

“I want to stress, though, the Bushfire Places of Last Resort are just that, a last resort when all other plans have failed.

“We still urge everyone to have a solid fire action plan and leave early.

“I was in Lorne when the Wye River fires happened – glad it wasn’t there when it was almost impacting – in Bellbrae during Ash Wednesday, and we all remember Black Saturday.”

He said the warm weather on Tuesday was a taste of summer.

“I encourage residents and all visitors to download the VicEmergency app, and also visit Surf Coast Shire’s emergency and safety pages on the Surf Coast website to help you prepare for the coming fire season and

stay safe.”

As part of their resolution, the council will also considers recommissioning the Point Grey BPLR following construction completion and the site being assessed for suitability.