Mayor Kevin Erwin is urging residents of the Northern Grampians Shire to start getting ready for the coming fire season by taking part in Fire Action Week activities, to run throughout Victoria from October 11¡V18.
With this bushfire season expected to be worse than last summer when major fires claimed 173 lives, Mayor Erwin said it was vital residents started planning and preparing now.
¡§While weather conditions on Black Saturday were unprecedented, we live in one of the most fire-prone states in the world, amid 13 years of drought, climate change and dry conditions,¡¨ Mayor Erwin said.
¡§It is likely that we could see similar extreme conditions or worse this season¡¨.
¡§All of Victoria is at risk of bushfire, including communities near bush, paddocks, grassland and parks. It¡¦s less than a month until the next fire season so there is no time for delay,¡¨ he said.
Mayor Erwin said bushfire safety is a partnership between individuals, council, the emergency services, and the State.
¡§Council is working in partnership with the State Government and the fire agencies to make our municipality fire ready. Our Council recognises the need to plan and prepare to meet local needs, make our communities safer and help protect human life¡¨, Mayor Erwin said.
Mayor Erwin said the Northern Grampians Municipal Emergency Management Plan was up-to-date and ready for use if need be in the coming fire season.
He said that individuals and households had a major role in the fire preparation effort, even if they didn¡¦t plan to stay to defend their homes.
¡§All property owners need to be fire ready, no matter where you live or what your fire experience has been. I urge you to begin now to prepare your homes and properties for the fire season¡¨.
¡§Even if you plan to leave before a bushfire threatens, preparing your home now will give it the best chance of surviving,¡¨ he said.
For Fire Action Week, Council is urging residents and businesses to:
„X Develop fire plans for their family, street/neighbourhood, and or their businesses
„X Decide if they¡¦re going to stay to defend or if they will leave high risk areas on days of severe fire danger
„X Know and understand the triggers for leaving before fire threatens, and plan where they will go
„X Identify work required around their properties and community areas
„X Clear vegetation and potential fuel from around their property, and
„X Attend a local CFA Fire Ready community meeting and join a local CFA Community Fireguard group.
¡§A well-prepared community is the first line of defence against potential fire threats¡¨.
¡§The next fire season is not far away, and it is vital that we all work together to take early action¡¨.
¡§Remember- Prepare, Act, Survive¡¨, Mayor Erwin said.
Enquiries to Amy Rhodes
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (03) 5358 8752
Mobile: 0403 366 025
Email: amy.rhodes@ngshire.vic.gov.au
