Grants to reduce schools’ bushfire risk

VICTORIAN schools listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register will share in $8.4 million to clear vegetation ahead of the fire season.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said 345 campuses across 330 government schools would receive the funding through the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program.

“We know how devastating bushfires are – that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” he said.

Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world.

The program, introduced in 2018, funds vegetation clearance around school buildings before the start of the municipal fire danger period.

It also provides two school visits from an accredited bushfire planning and design consultant, who develops a vegetation management plan.

Schools can also engage bushfire specialists, including Bushfire Attack Level experts, for additional advice.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said preparation was critical.

“Bushfire season is just around the corner and now is the time for everyone at school, at work and at home to prepare property – doing this work now and having an action plan could save a life,” she said.