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Submissions cover sheet
Submissions, 2009 Victorlan Buehfires Royal Commission, ,
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SUBMISSION TO 2009
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES
ROYAL COMMISSION
TAMMY LOBATO IMP
MEMBER FOR GEMBROOK
-EAST
MELBOURNE,
1
Submission to 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Con~mlsslon
INTRODUCTION
The bushfires in Victoria in February this year devastated communities
throughout Victoria, destroying lives, homes and communities. Much of the
attention has rightly gone to areas such as Kinglake where towns were razed
from the bushfire onslaught and communities have to be rebuilt from rubble.
However, the experience of the February bushfires extends to other areas of
Victoria and these experiences also, I believe, have value to the Royal
Commission as we attempt to understand what went wrong and what can be
done better in the future.
As the Member for Gembrook, my electorate covers 2053 square kilometres
which stretch from the south eastern growth corridor of outer metropolitan
Melbourne, across the Dandenong Ranges and through the Upper Yarra. My
electorate includes large sections of the Bunyip State Park-the site of the
Bunyip fires- as well as the Yarra State Forest and the Yarra Ranges
National Park, which includes the Upper Yarra Dam, Mt Donna Buang, and
the OIShannassy Aqueduct and river catchment.
Thankfully, the towns in my slectorate did not experience the destruction of
other nearby townships such as I-lealesville and Marysville. However, my
electorate covers some of Melbourne's most vital water catchments, which
were at great risk of being contaminated during the fire period. The townships
in Gembrook also were in a quite unique situation as people basically put their
lives on hold for many weeks, while fires raged in forested areas all around
them.
Many residents evacuated not once or twice but on numerous occasions as
fire fronts closed in on their townships. Some towns, like Powelltown, faced
the double threat of Bunyip fires to the south and the Murrindindil Kinglake
fires to the north. The latter fire came within just a couple of kilometres of
townships along the Warburton Highway.
This ongoing fire threat, which continued for a number of weeks, meant that
people were placed under enormous stress and were very fearful of what may
eventuate. They were afraid to go to work in Melbourne while their children
were attending local schools which were at risk if the fires approached. People
were afraid of going to sleep in the event that fires may descend on their
townships during the night, They were worried about their ability to evacuate,
to defend their homes, to return home at the end of the day, and to care for
the welfare of their neighbours and friends.
I spent most of my time during those four to five weeks from February 7 in
townships spread along the Warburton Highway and in the township of
Gembrook. Countless days were spent in Warburton waiting for what we
thought was the inevitable and ensuring that our communities had the
information they required and the resources they required.
Tammy Lobalo MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 1
May 2OOg
Subml~slonlo 2009 Viclorlan Bushfires Royal Commbslon
Because so many of my residents throughout the Gembrook electorate were
affected by the February bushfires, I decided, once the threat was over, to
give my communities an opportunity to share their experiences at two
community workshops that were held in Warburton and Gembrook.
These workshops, in addition to the many representations made to me by
telephone, in person, by letter and by email, form the basis of my submission.
In this submission, I have attempted to represent many of the diverse range of
views expressed by my constituents. Some issues were more relevant to
people from one area, for example issues with road closures was a matter
that particularly relates to the experiences of Gembrook township residents.
Other matters, such as school closures, have more general relevance across
the electorate.
What I hope to show through this submission is that people in areas that were
on constant fire alert for weeks in a row, were severely affected despite their
homes and towns remaining intact. Their feedback has relevance to how we
deal with bushfires threats in the future.
I have organised my submission into a number of key areas. For each area,
there is a discussion of problems that arose as well as pointing out systems
that functioned well. At the end of each section is a list of recommendations
that I have reached as a result of extensive consultation with niy communities.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Royal Commission and on
behalf of the residents within the electorate of Gembrook thank the
Commission for its consideration of this submission.
Tammy Lobato MP
Member for Getnbrook
-
Tammy Lobalo MP Member for Gonibrook
Page 2
May 2009
Submlsslm lo 2000 Victorian BushfiresRoyal Cwnniirslon
ECTED
One of the problems that has particularly come into play since Black Saturday
is the definition of what constitutes a 'fire-affected area'. This is not merely a
question of semantics as an area being defined as 'fire affected' means that
avenues for funding assistance through an entire range of grants become
applicable.
What has happened to both businesses and residents within the Gembrook
electorate is that their town has not been classified as 'fire-affected'. This is
despite the fact that many residents were living and working in areas subject
to urgent and constant threat messages and, in accordance with their fire
plans, evacuated on numerous occasions.
These urgent threat messages were justified because the mapping being
done to show the path of the fires demonstrated that under certain weather
conditions, certain townships such as Warburton lay directly in the path of the
fire. Every day residents waited for the constantly falling embers to ignite.
Many residents slept very little during the fire threat period because of the
imminent bushfire threat. Some did not go to work in order to defend their
homes, only to then jeopardise their employment as it was deemed they did
not live in a fire-affected area.
Since the bushfires, many constituents of the Gembrook electorate have
requested and been denied grant assistance, despite having ta shelter at the
Lilydale relief centre, in a motel or in other accommodation during the time
that urgent threat messages were applicable to their townships.
Tourisrn in the Dandenong Ranges and the Upper Yarra basically ceased
during February, yet many of the most affected businesses have not been
eligible for grant assistance-again because it has been defined that the
location of the business was not in a fire-affected area.
There has also been reported to me a lack of consistency in grant eligibility for
some towns, meaning that some people have been able to obtain grants while
their next door neighbours miss out. This lack of consistency has created
enormous confusion about who is entitled to what.
Submission to 200Q Vlclorlan Busltfins Royal Commlsslon
FIRE AFFECTED AREAS
RECOMMENDATIONS
All areas that have been subject to urgent and ongoing threat
messages to be declared as fire affected.
Temnly Lobalo MP - Member for Gembrook
page 4
May 2009
Submission to 2009 Vdorirn Bushflren Royal Comrnlsslon
BUSHFIRE PREPARATION
"My own personal fire plan was ill-conceived and wlth what happened at
Kinglake and Marysville, fhat fire plan went out the window and became
Irrelevant. Evacuation would seem fhe only option,"
(Comments made at the Warburton and Gembrook bushflre workshops)
The issue of bushfire preparation raises the twin issues of ignorance and
apathy, Many new residents of high fire risk areas were seen to be ignorant of
the potential bushfire threats while long term residents could at times be
apathetic to fire risks.
These two concerns were demonstrated by the very low attendance at
community fireguard or other fire prevention/preparation meetings prior to the
bushfires, which deprives people of the opportunity of access to information
that in times of actual fire threat they need.
Throughout the electorate, people were cleaning up their properties after
Black Saturday while the threat of fire was imminent. This is too late in the fire
season for bushfire preparation to begin.
Even though many people had cleaned up earlier, they changed their views
about what being well-prepared actually meant after Black Saturday.
Those who had never had a fire plan in place, and had not engaged with the
fire warning messages, suddenly decided to develop a plan. For many of
those already equipped with fire plans, the first time they practised them was
after Black Saturday. These rehearsals often showed up deficiencies in the
plans that were not apparent until they were actually tried out.
Fire Season Calendars, as produced by my office and distributed to all homes
in high fire risk areas in October 2008, were seen to be handy and provided
helpful advice about the ongoing preparation that needs to be done during the
fire season. Some residents mistakenly believed that being prepared was
devoting one weekend to cleaning up and nothing more was required, rather
than seeing bushfire preparation as being an ongoing task and responsibility,
all year round.
Green waste collections by councils were extremely helpful for bushfire
preparation although if residents are not adequately informed about them,
their potential as a bushfire preparation tool is diminished.
In many ways, the issue of bushfire preparation comes down to residents
taking fire threats seriously enough to plan and prepare properly year round.
At the moment for many, it seems to be a side issue rather than being an
integral consideration of living in the Upper Yarra and the Dandenong
Ranges.
-
Tanlnly Lobslo MP Member for Gembrook
Page 5
'
May 2009
Subrnlssion lo 2009 Vlclorlan Bushnres Royal Conimlsalon
BUSHFIRE PREPARATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
CFA to place full page advertisements in every newspaper, both state
and local, advising of the onset of the fire season and the need for fire
plans to be put in place.
Consideration to be given to having the same date for fire season
statewide, using a date that is conservative enough to include all
potential high fire risks days.
In conjunction with a standardised approach to the fire season onset, a
catchy slogan is used to advise people, similar to the advice given at
daylights savings to "Change your clock, change your smoke alarm
battery."
Instead of CFA information to be placed in council kits for new
residents, a separate CFA kit to be distributed to all homes in high fire
risk areas. These kits should include examples of fire plans.
Fire plans to be lodged for approval with the CFA and then registered
with the councillshire.
Extra funds should be provided to councillshire for an additional fire
safety officer to be employed to handle these fire plans.
Properties with approved, registered fire plans to be given rate relief in
recognition of the bushfire preparation.
-
Tammy Lobato MP Member lor Dernbrook
Page 6
May 2009
Submlsslon to 2009 Vlclorian Bushnres Royal Commission
LEAVE EARLYISTAY AND DEFEND
"There needs to be a register for people who choose to stay and defend
their properties as Red Cross dld not appear interested."
""Despite the stay or leave policy, Ifelt Iwas not able to make the choice
to leave as Iwas told I had a duty of care to be at work, (I'm a school
teacher). The policy Is stay or leave not go to work1 Ifelt totally
disempoweredl"
(Cottiments made at the Warburton and Gernbrook bushflreworkshops)
One common belief was that the meaning of 'leave early' Is poorly understood
in the community. 'leave early' actually means to leave by loam on a Total
Fire Ban day whereas many people thought that leaving early meant leaving
before a fire actually arrived at a township.
There is also the potential for problems if people who are under no threat
decide to evacuate on a Total Fire Ban day, which would cause traffic chaos.
Therefore, it needs to be specified who is under threat and what level of threat
is meant.
The 'leave earlylstay and defend' message was deemed by many to be too
broad to be really useful, without more specific fire risk information about a
given area needed. The risk with a broad message is thaf no-one feels it
actually applies to them.
People a130 did not understand the inherent fire risks in their area. Many did
not know about the fire averlays and that they could obtain information about
whether they lived in a low, medium or high fire risk area.
It was also thought that many people poorly understood what was required of
residents if the choice is made to stay and defend a property, After Black
Saturday, many of those whose fire plan had been to stay and defend,
actually changed their minds and realised that what they may face in a fire
could well be beyond their capacity to defend.
People were concerned that those who chose to stay and defend may, on
seeing a massive firefront approach, then decide at the last minute to
evacuate, The danger of taking this course of action did not seem to be fully
understood by residents.
Many of those who may have otherwise decided to leave early, felt that it was
too inconvenient to evacuate without somewhere to go. They felt it would be a
waste of tiwe if the fire threat did not eventuate. There is an ongoing risk with
that many residents In the Gembrook electorate, who did evacuate on many
occasions during this fire season, may be more reluctant to do so in the fiitiire
because their townships escaped the fires.
-
Tammy Lobalo MP Member for Gembrook
pago 7
May 2009
Submisolon lo 2009 Vlclorian Busltflrer Royal Comrnlsrlon
LEAVE EARLY 1 STAY AND DEFEND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide fire index information to residents so they can understand the
fire risk and decide to leave early if the index is extreme,
The 'leave earlylstay and defend' to apply to all properties that have a
declared fire zone rating, whether low, medlum or high.
I
Residents to be educated about the fire risk level on their properties by
way of a warningladvisory message to be printed on all rate notices,
e.g. "This property is in a High Fire Risk Area."
People who choose to stay and defend their properties must formalise
this in their fire plan and the property must be subject to inspection by
the CFA to ascertain whether it is adequately prepared.
Fire plans must include the requirement to advise others of the fire plan
so family members know whether their relatives are staying and
defending or leaving.
Contingency plans to be developed by emergency services in the event
that the speed and ferocity of fires means that people who have chosen
to stay and defend know what to do in the event that they decide to
abandon defending their properties.
(For further recommendations, see the section on Bushfire Preparation)
-
Tammy Lobato MP Member lor Gembrook
Page 0
May 2009
Submission to 2009 Viclorisln Bushfirer Royal C_omrnlrslon
FUEL REDUCTION BURNING
"improvement needed In fuel clearance practices, for bofh landowners
and for public land."
(Comments made at the Warburton and Getnbrook bushflre workshops)
People in townships across the Gembrook electorate, from the Upper Yarra
across the Dandenong Ranges and down through Gippsland, all agreed that
fuel reduction burning was a key mechanism to reduce the risks of bushfires
devastating communities.
There was widespread appreciation for the fuel reduction burning that was
carried out under the supervision of the Department of Sustainability and
Environment. There was also excellent community understanding about how
weather and other factors affected the capacity to carry out prescribed burns.
However, despite the problematic nature of fuel reduction burning, there was
wholesale agreement that this sort of burning did not occur frequently enough,
and did not cover a sufficiently large area of forest to adequately reduce fire
hazard risks to nearby towns. The perception is that large sections of forests
seemed to be untouched by any fuel reduction burns.
There was also a community perception that throughout the previous year,
many days had been deemed unsuitable for the conducting of fuel reduction
burning. However, in the weeks immediately following Black Saturday, many
backburnlng operations were being done, at the height of the summer heat
and with many bushfires In the State still out of control. The differentiation
between backburning and fuel reduction burning is not fully, if at all,
understood by members of the community. This confusion makes it hard for
people to accept information about there being insufficient days on which to
conduct fuel reduction burning, when they see fires lit by authorities an
extreme fire risk days.
A further problem is that fuel reduction burning can and does on occasions
cause bushfires. These incidents can lead to scepticism about the value of
these burns.
As a member of the Victorian Parliament's Environment and Natural
Resources Committee, I was able to gain an in-depth understanding of the
role of public land management practices on bushfires in Victoria. The
committee referred particularly to the Victorian bushfires of 2002103 and
2006107 in reaching its recommendations. These recommendations deserve
consideration in the light of the 2009 bushfire tragedies, and I have attached
the recommendations and findings from the report, Inquiry into the Impact of
Public Land Management Practices on Bushfires In Victoria, as an appendix
to this submission.
-
Tammy Lobalo MP Member tor Gembrook
Page 9
May 2009
Submission to 2009 Vlclorian Bushfires Royal Commlsslon
At the same time that most people agree about the importance of fuel
reduction burning, environmental concerns must also be considered in this
environmentally-sensitive area of Victoria. Scientists agree that deforestation
is contributing to climate change and consequently to extreme weather
conditions by drying out the undergrowth and depleting the quality of ground
water. Protection of our water catchments also requires that forests are
maintained and the need to engage in fuel reduction burning should not be
seen as a licence to denude Victoria of its invaluable forested areas.
Tammy Lobato MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 10
May 2009
Submission to 2009 Viclorian Bushfires Royal Comnlsslon
FUEL REDUCTION BURNING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase the level of prescribed burning by DSE and its partner
agencies from the current target of 130,000 hectares per annum to
385,000 hectares per annum, as per the recommendation by the
Environment & Natural Resources Committee.
Increase the level of community engagement and understanding about
fuel reduction burning, by providing easily accessible information in a
variety of formats (e.g. internet, local maps, etc) and also providing
opportunities for community input into the location, duration and extent
of burns.
Fire Operations Plans to be made publicly available in their entirety, as
per the recommendation by the Environment & Natural Resources
Committee.
Send notice of intended prescribed burning to residents in affected
areas with maps.
Tamniy Lobalo MP - Member lor Gambrook
Page 11
May 2009
SuLmission lo 2009 Viclorlan Bushfins Royal Commission
VEGETATION REMOVAL
"There are too many by-laws preventing clearing up of green
waste/undergrowth/leaf littedbranches on roadsidedin the forestsdespite a serious drought. In essence, Victoria was 'ready to burn1-it
waslust a questiorl of fime. The Shire of Y a m ranges was not helpful in
its attltuda to disposal of green waste."
(Cornaents made at tho Warburton and Gornbrook boshflre workshops)
During the bushfire period, residents across the Gembrook electorate became
increasingly concerned about the extent of vegetation both on their own and
neighbauring properties.
One problem that was reported frequently by residents was the difficulty in
obtaining council approval for the removal of vegetation on their own land.
The requirement to obtain planning permits in many cases was both a
financial and administrative hurdle, which meant that vegetation removal was
deemed too onerous a task.
Other residents expressed extreme concern that properties neighbouring their
own were overgrown, had long grass, and were basically not properly
maintained, thereby posing an extreme fire hazard, They felt that when they
themselves were undertaking proper and diligent property maintenance and
cleaning up their own land, they were being unfairly put at risk by thoughtless
neighbours or neighbours considered as lazy.
One of the councils-namely, the Shire of Yarra Ranges-permitted free green
waste dumping following Black Saturday to fire affected areas and this was
seen as extremely beneficial in terms of encouraging adequate property
maintenance. However, some residents from the Upper Yarra who tried to
utilise this excellent service, were turned away or required to pay as they were
deemed not to live in an area affected by bushfires. Given that many residents
from this region evacuated a number of times, and were in close proximity to
both the Bunyip Fires and the Murrindindi Complex fires, this determination
seemed inherently unfair and discouraged those at extreme fire risk from
properly disposing of green waste material. After many residents approached
me to complain about the inequity, this policy was altered, ensuring my
residents had free access as originally offered by the Shire.
Another problem identified by residents was the cultivation of trees with a high
fire hazard risk being grown throughout the Upper Yarra and the Dandenong
Ranges. Ti trees were singled out as being a potentially dangerous species in
terms of bushfire, and the fact that these are found throughout the district was
a major concern to residents. Although residential choice in terms of plant
selection on properties was respected, concern was raised that many were
ignorant about the dangers posed through inappropriate garden plant
selection.
Tommy Lobalo MP -Member lor Gembrook
Page 12
May 2009
Submlsslon to 2009 Victorian Bushnres Royal Commbslon
VEGETATION REMOVAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
Free tipping of green waste all year round, in addition to household
collections twice a year, one of which should be immediately prior to
the onset of the bushfire season. (The cost of this service would be
offset by subsequent reuse of the waste for eg, the sale of mulch).
Extra household collections of green waste as required during titiles of
extreme bushfire threat.
Municipal councils to improve enforcement of local laws pertaining to
long grass and properties that are not being properly maintained,
including increasing the penalties for breaching these local laws.
Plant and tree guide to be provided to residents with lists of low,
medium and high flammability plants. Consideration to be given to
banning certain species from being grown on private property in fire
prone areas, as is done for certain categories of weeds.
Consider implementing a service perhaps delivered by the CFA that
assesses the level of risk garden types present to individual homes.
-
Tammy Lobab MP Member lor Gembrook
Page I 3
May 2009
Submission lo 2009 Viclorian Bushfires Royal Commlsslon
EMERGENCY SERVICES RESPONSE
"The Government's immediate and decisive reaction and subsequent
actions to this disaster were really good as they were acting on the run
with circumstances that were changing within minutes and hours."
"What worked well was Russell Rees talking on the radio on the
Thursday prior to Black Satirrday saying wa will be experiencing
unprecedented weather cot~ditions.'~
"CFA cannot go into DSE area without an invitation. We heard this over
the scanner on many occasions!"
(Carnrnetlts made at the Warbudon and Gembrook bushfire workshops)
Highly commended by workshop participants were the extensive warnings
given prior to and subsequent to Black Saturday.
Once the fires had begun, all communities were extremely grateful to
emergency service workers and organisations for their ongoing role in
assisting residents. Local CFA, SES, DSE and Victoria Police members were
valued highly and their attendance at community meetings and in providing
advice was greatly appreciated.
By mid-week after Black Saturday, emergency service resources started to be
distributed into the Upper Yarra, predominantly up to Warburton East and in
the reservoir areas, This provided immediate reassurance as on the night of
Black Saturday, there were virtually no fire trucks left in the region. Residents
felt far more secure when these services returned and in addition, a huge
contingency fleet moved in.
In the Upper Yarra, the Wesburn staging area, when established, also helped
make the residents feel more secure. The constant stream of DSE vehicles
moving into Gembrook played a similar role for people in that area.
The Incident Control Centre (ICC) worked effectively with all emergency
services agencies located together. Assessment and strategic planning was
therefore made easier through convenient communication and made
discussion and resolution of issues much easier.
The daily ernail bulletins issued by the ICC were extremely helpful in getting
information out in a timely manner and were widely distributed.
However, there were also problems reported in regard to emergency services
response. The division of responsibility of fire areas between DSE and the
CFA on occasions worked against public safety. Some residents reported that
a fire that started on land for which the DSE was responsible was not able to
be extinguished by the local CFA, and that basically the CFA had to watch a
fire continue to burn until DSE personnel arrived.
Tarnmy Lobafo MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 14
May 2009
Submlsolon lo 2009 Vlclorian Buahnres Royal Ccinrnlsplon
-
-
Fire tower observers were highly commended by those in the community. I
had many residents tell me how secure they were made to feel with the
knowledge that due to their personal friendships with the fire tower observers,
that they would be personally infarmed if they needed to evacuate.
Safety of these fire tower observers is critlcal and I atn not convinced that this
has been considered enough. One fire tower was burnt to the ground and the
safety of the observer not known for some time. In another case fire was
present at the ground beneath the tower.
-
Tammy Lobalo MP Mornbar for Gembrook
-
Page 15
May 2009
Subniisslon lo 2009 Vlclorian Bustifires Royal Cornmlsalon
EMERGENCY SERVICES RESPONSE
RECOMMENDATIONS
To cease the CFA versus DSE boundaries on who fights which fire and
use whichever personnel are available and on hand. So in effect, at
times of emergency all agencies join together to provide the emergency
response.
Establish corninunity liaison officers within lCCs to provide regular upto-date information to schools, hospitals, nursing hotnes and shopping
centres.
On days of extreme fire danger, ensure that all townships in high fire
danger areas retain their firefighting vehicles so that if a fire breaks out,
there are people and trucks on hand to deal with the emergency.
*
Provide additional information resources and safety measures for the
fire tower observers.
Upgrade emergency services communicatian technology to ensure that
there are no black spots throughout the electorate of Gembrook.
Tanlmy Lobalo MP -Member lor Gembrook
Page 16
May 2009
Submission lo 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
COMMUNICATION
"lt~forniatlonon where the fires were in the first few days was poorly
dispersed,''
"I would like to see an information strip on weatt?er/fIrealert on the
bottom of the television screen durlng fire seasons."
(Cornrnenfs made at the Warburton and Oernbrooh bushflre workshops)
Once the February bushfires had begun, the ability of residents to receive
accurate information was seen as perhaps the most crucial tool in the defence
against oncoming bushfires.
In the areas around both Gernbrook and Warburton, common themes
emerged about what worked and what didn't in terms of communication.
774 ABC radio was highly commended by many residents for ensuring that
frequent bushfire updates were broadcasted and for showing commitment to
maintaining these broadcasts at the expense of other programming, in order
to give residents as much information as possible.
The public alerts given by senior members of the State Government, prior to
the weekend of Black Saturday, were also commended, The text message
sent out to all tnobile telephones on a subsequent dangerous weekend was
also widely supported by residents as an effective warning.
Some residents also found the use of scanners useful.
The radio repeaters which were installed after Black Saturday to improve
radio reception were greatly appreciated by some residents, as they improved
the reception quality for some and for others allowed them to hear ABC 774
broadcasts for the first time.
The provision of portable high powered radios to some residents by the
Department of Human Services also alleviated the radio reception difficulties
in some pockets of the Upper Yarra, notably Millgrove and Warburton. The
ability to hear fire alerts greatly eased the stress and fear of some residents.
However, despite the many efforts made to improve radio reception, there did
remain many households who could still not hear ABC 774 broadcasts and
therefore could not access this rnost vital information source.
In fact, this highlights one of the key themes that emerged both from my
community workshops and from discussion with residents across the
electorate: having access to up-to-date and accurate information is absolutely
critical for residents facing bushfire threats. The way fire impacts on each area
varies depending on topography and the need for appropriate site specific
information was underscored.
-
Tammy Lobalo MP Member for Gernbrook
Page 17
May 2009
Submlsslon lo 2009 Victorian Bushflres Royal Cornrni~olon
Some of the information required was obtained through community meetings,
which allowed for detailed discussion of where the firefronts were and what
were the likely scenarios to take place. However, these meetings alone were
not sufficientas sometimes they became quite heated and they did not occur
in every town, on every day. In addition, some meetings did present problems
as some individuals who volunteered with, for example, the CFA, did not
present messages that were consistent with CFA fire management policy at
community meetings. This meant, both at meetings and outside of meetings,
residents were faced with conflicting information not only froln different
sources but even from people from the same organisation, who gave different
advice about the extent of the fire severity, the dangers posed and the
appropriate course of action to be taken.
Community fireguard meetings, for areas that had them, also reportedly
worked well, Informal 'street meetings', when resldents of a particular area got
together on their own initiative, also increased awareness of fire issues and
helped nelghbours understand what other planned to do.
What were seen as most invaluable adjuncts to the community meetings were
the opportunities for one-on-one information communication. Parks Victoria
employee Stuart Cooper (also a local resident) and I initiated an information
stall (card table) outside the Warburton Post Office. Every day for more than
three weeks this stall provided verbal and visual up-to-date information as to
where the fires were and the conditions that might exacerbate or change the
direction of the fire- Each day Stuart provided an update to concerned
residents and was able to show, through maps, exactly what had occurred
during the previous twenty-four hour period. Stuart and I requested this stall
as the most common complaint was the lack of local information. I assisted on
this stall for many days, and Stuart and 1 were both overwhelmed by the
amount of positive feedback we received that indicated that this initiative was
vital to the Upper Yarra community. The matter of decentralising CFA
information, and taking the information to residents in easily accessible ways,
deserves consideration. These stalls offer the possibility of serving other
purposes, such as assisting residents in the development of fire plans prior to
the fire season.
Problems were reported by residents who did not have access to the local
information such as provided by Stuart Cooper, Residents throughout the
Dandenong Ranges and in other parts of the Upper Yarra said that there was
a pauclty of local information and the fault of the radio broadcasts was that the
information was not sufficiently specific, For example, residents heard their
township named as on high7alert on one broadcast and yet it was not
mentioned on a subsequent broadcast. They were then unsure about the level
of risk faced by their town.
The names given to the fires also presented a problem to residents. Many
people did not know that the KinglakelMurrindindi complex fire was actually
merely three kilometres from Warburton as the fire was named for towns that
were a long way distant from the area.
Tammy Lobato MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 18
May 20D9
Submiamion Lo 2000 Vlclarlan Bushnres Royal Cornnilsoion
The naming of fires inadvertently played dowri potential risks and may have
deterred people from evacuating when they were actually under extreme fire
threat.
Those who relied on websites for lnformatlon, such as the CFA and DSE
websites, complained that they were not updated frequently enough and were
constantly crashing because so many people were trying to use them at once.
The telephone Bushfire Information Line was similar, with residents reporting
they could rarely get through to the number as it was always engaged. Since
many residents could not receive ABC 774, the fact that the website and
telephone sources of information' were also not accessible caused great
anxiety as well as high levels of frustration,
Almost everyone I spoke to wanted to hear a distinct siren that would alert
them to a threat. Many CFA brigades kept their sirens ringing on Black
Saturday. They felt that the CFA fire siren would not be sufficient to alert
people but that if a distinctlwarning sound was in place, this would be an
effective way of encouraging people to seek information and /implement their
fire plans. There are however many issues associated with sirens such as:
k
P
k
)=.
determining triggers as to when to sound them
weather preventing audibility
reliability of sirens
how to ensure all residents in the town can hear and that they know
what they mean (education)
Many residents have also suggested that television in time of emergency such
as Black Saturday should provide an information service similar to that of ABC
radio even if it is only a message that is constantly repeated at the bottom of
the screen.
-
Temrny Lobalo MP Member lor Gembrook
Page 19
May 2000
Submlsslon to 2000 Vidorian Bushiires Rayal Commlsslon
COMMUNICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Installationof radio repeaters throughout the Upper Yarra and
Dandenong Ranges to ensure as many residents as po,ssible have
access to ABC radio reception.
Education for residents in areas with poor radio reception about the
importance of purchasing high powered radios.
Local information booths to be set up In every 'at risk' township during
times of fire alert, to be staffed by local people equipped with maps, to
provide Information to residents about fires in the area.
Websites to be updated on a more frequent basis and to be equipped
to deal with heavy use during times of bushfire threat.
Names of fires to be locally specific so it is easier for those in 'at risk'
areas to identify where the fire is.
Volunteers for organisations such as the CFA must, whenever in a
public setting (such as a community meeting) and whenever in uniform,
must provide advice to residents that is consistent with the policy
directions and commands from the management of the organisation.
To fully evaluate current warning sirens (such as Ferny Creek) and
investigate the installation of such warning devices for all fire prone
townships.
To establish a telephone warning system similar to the West Australian
PC Cops model and the Victorian system trialled in Mt Evelyn.
Tamniy Lobalo MP -Member tor Gembrook
Page 20
May 2009
Submission lo 20061Victorian Bushfires Royal Commls$lon
SCHOOL CLOSURES
"Education Department should close schools immediately in fire
threatened areas''
"The schaol gym was orlglnally intended as a fire refuge but has not
been rnalntslned fo an adequate standard."
(Comri~entsrnade at the Warbutton and Genibrook bushfire worhshops)
During the bushfire periods, parents and communities were extremely
concerned about the welfare of children who attended schools in areas under
threat from bushfires.
School closures, when they occurred, were well-accepted and understood by
the vast majority of people as necessary for safety reasons.
The schools' staff members need to be commended for their diligence in
making exceptional efforts to communicate to families about imminent schools
closures. They did all that they could to provide accurate information to
parents.
However, problems arose when schools were given insufficient notice of a
requirement to close, even as late as 2pm on the day prior to closure. Given
that schools generally finish around 3 or 3.30pm, this did not leave adequate
time to notify families.
Schools do not have many telephone lines and staff members were required
to leave their teaching duties in classrooms in order to make telephone calls
advising of school closure.
The number of families aSsociated with some schools, especially larger
schools, meant that contacting each and every family was an almost
impossible task.
Many parents have work commitments and they were also greatly
inconvenienced by such late notice of a school closure the following day,
which added enormously to the stress levels being experienced by
colnmunities already living with the threat of bushfires.
A further issue was that advice to keep a school open and operating was often
inconsistent with advice that was being given to the same corninunities at the
public meetings in the evenings. That is, the local CFA advised some families
to evacuate but the message from the school (as dictated by the Department
of Education) was that the school would be staying open. This confused
families as they did not know whether to send their children to school or not,
Tanimy Lobalo MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 21
May 2009
Submlsslon lo 2009 Vlclorlan Bushlife$Royal CommlPrlon
SCHOOL CLOSURES
RECOMMENDATIONS
The establishment of a procedural system regarding schools closures.
Administrative assistance from the Department of Education to be
provided to schools facing closure to assist with making contact with
parents.
Advice provided to communities to be consistent, whether it originates.
from the local CFNemergency services or from the school.
If school staff members have been unable to contact parents at the end
of the school day regarding a school closure on the following day, the
responsibility for doing so becomes a departmental one, so that staff
are not required to be on the school premises during a danger period.
Schools to have access to a community liaison officer within the
Incident Control Centre to obtain regular updates about existing fires.
(A recommendation is contained within Emergency Services Response
section which deals with the formation of a community liaison position).
Schools must be notified by 1l a m the day prior to a severe threat day
that they will be required to close,
Schools should be provided with a scanner to enable real time
information to bs heard about fires.
All schools in high fire risk areas to have either new fire refuges, if none
exist, or to have existing fire refuges upgraded to current fire safety
standards.
Tanimy Lobalo MP -Member lor Gembrook
Page 22
May 2009
Submlrslon lo 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commlsslon
ROAD CLOSURES
"Road closed signs stayed up for too long affecfinglocal buslnesses
after the fire was safe."
(Comments made at the Warbutton snd Gembrook blrshflre workshops)
For residents in the Gembrook electorate, road closures were seen as a
necessary part of the hushfire emergency response, both to stop potential
firebugs from accessing vulnerable forest areas and to prevent potential
sightseers from clogging roads and putting themselves and subsequently
emergency services personnel at risk.
Road closures in the event of imminent fire threats to protect residents and for
community safety purposes were well understood and accepted.
However, some notable problems did arise in terms of road closures. Many of
these problems arose because police officers who were stationed at road
blocks had little or no knowledge of the local area and the existing road
network.
This resulted in people being unnecessarily prevented from gaining access to
thalr properties or going about their daily business, whether work, education
or recreation.
Road closures also prevented visitors from legitimately going to see family
and friends. Road closures were also quite devastating to numerous
businesses in and around the Gembrook area and across the Dandenong
Ranges.
Community ire also occurred because the implementation of these road
blocks was often done with a heavy-handed approach that allowed no scope
for discussion, Major inconvenience occurred when road closures were
continued beyond the point at which they were necessary and those staffing
the road block were unable to explain to residents why the road block was
even in place.
Because of the lack of local knowledge, there was little appreciation by police
unfamiliar with the area of the inconveniences occurred through road
closures. There was the assumption that alternative routes were available
when this was often not the case.
Tammy Lobalo MP -Member for Gembrook
page 23
May 2009
Submlasion lo 2009 Viclorlan Bushfires Royal Commlsslon
ROAD CLOSURE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Local police with excellent knowledge of the area and its people to staff
road blocks.
Distinguishing between local residents and those who are lnerely
travelling through an area and therefore applying different rules to
those groups.
Police who are stationed at road blocks to be thoroughly briefed
beforehand so that they know what their purpose is, have up-to-date
information about fire activity and are able to communicate this
information to people at the road block. Police need to understand
whether their purpose is to protect the community from fire or to protect
the community from arsonists.
Tammy Lobalo MP - Member for Gembrook
Page 24
May 2OOD
Submlsslon lo 2009 Viclorian Bushfires Royal Coninilssion
RELIEF CENTRES
"There was a lack of assurance from fire brigade meeting. POW
communication as to where to go,"
"The establishment of the anlmal refuge at Lilydale Showgrounds saved
t h e lives of many farm animals."
(Comments rnade at the Warburlon and Gernbrook kushflre workshops.)
Relief centres were seen as vital to members of my communities in terms of
bushfire response. Having a safe and comfortable place to go in the event of
evacuation is a great source of security,
During the February bushfires, the relief centres worked extremely well in
terms of organisation, the availability of information and services and the
helpfulness of the many charitable organisations that were on hand to assist
with a variety of needs.
Also of great use were the many donations that were made which assisted
people to cope with their adverse situation. The toiletries and personal care
items were especially helpful.
State Government departmental staff rostered at relief centres, who provided
advice and assistance on matters such as grants, were also much
appreciated by local residents. These staff deserve commendation for their
excellent service during this difficult period.
The Shire of Cardinia also needs to be acknowledged for its great work in
assisting residents from other municipalities, particularly Baw Baw, who were
able to use the Cardinia Shire Council's relief centre set up in Pakanham at
the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The fact that Cardinia Shire management were able to set up a relief centre at
this location very quickly was also a tremendous help to residents. The Shire
did not wait until the need was overwhelming, but acted to set up a centre in
anticipation of community need.
The one problem with this relief centre was that many residents within the
Shire were not aware that it even existed so were unable to access the help
and support that they would have received if they had gone there.
Also, for residents in Gembrook, who were in close proximity to the Bunyip
fires, the Pakenham location was unsuitable as it required travelling on heavily
treed roads and through areas vulnerable to bushfire. No appropriate
alternative was in place for Gembrook residents wishing to evacuate.
-
Tamrny Lobato MP Member for Gernbrook
Page 26
May 2009
Subnilsslon lo 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Comnrlsskm
In contrast to the prompt arrangements made by the Shire of Cardinia, the
relief centre at Lilydala set up by the Shire of Yarra ranges took an
inordinately long time to be established. At community meetings regarding the
bushfires, community members constantly asked when and where a relief
centre was going to be and the response was always that one was not going
to be established at this time. This aggravated residents enormously and
added to their fear as to what would occur in the event of a need to evacuate.
People were attending community meetings and being warned about
imminent bushfire threats while at the same tinis no relief centre provision
was being communicated to them.
The result of this was that residents in the Upper Yarra evacuated to the
Wesburn emergency staging area (from where emergency services vehicles
prepare to deploy to bushfire areas) which had been used as a refugelrelief
site in past years. This was despite the fact that it was no longer a refuge site
and was certainly not an appropriate location for a relief centre, given that it
was in close proximity to the bushfires. This circumstance amply
demonstrated that in the absence of an alternative, people will come up with
their own solutions, which may be inherently dangerous.
The process of setting up the relief centre in the Shire of Yarra Ranges was
also not properly communicated to interested parties, including Members of
Parliament. When MPs are left in the dark, they are then in no position to
comfort or provide assurance to their constituents.
Those working at the Municipal Emergency Response Centre did not inform
others what they were doing and the timeline they were working towards. This
meant that information on preparations that were being made did not flow
through to the MPs or to the community, increasing fear levels.
The Municipal Emergency Response Centre was also adversely affected by
the presence of a few uncooperative individuals who because of their egos
and desire far control, hindered the teamwork. This ego-driven approach also
exacerbated the poor communication between MERC and other
organisations,
More consideration of the needs of people with disabilities has to occur to
provide adequate provision for those who leave to go to relief centres and
have special requirements. A situation arose at the Lilydale relief centre where
one of my constituents who has a most profoundly disabled child arrived and
set up camp according to the most unique requirements of her daughter and
was subsequently made to feel totally inadequate by various departments and
individuals. Her situation was handled appallingly and I will be making
separate recolnmendations to the Department of Human Services specific to
this case; however it does need to be highlighted here to ensure the needs of
all are catered for in relief centres.
Tarnmy Lobalo MP - Member for Gembrook
Page 26
May 2009
Submission lo 2009 Victorian BushDrea Royal Commlsslon
The needs of animals was considered and the provision for domestic and farm
animals was adequate. However I met a man at the Hsalesville relief centre
who was sleeping in his car with his dogs because provision was not made at
the relief centre. The majority of people who live in these bushfire prone areas
have pets or farm animals. Many people do not leave early because of their
animals.
Tsmmy Lobalo MP - Momber for Gembrook
Page 27
May 2009
Submlsslon lo 2009 Viclorlan Bushlires Royal Conimlssion
RELIEF CENTRES
RECOMMENDATIONS
Community representatives to be provided with comprehensive
briefings on relief centres so they are in a position to communicate this
to the residents.
Those working at Municipal Emergency Relief Centres to be personally
accountable for their actions and behaviours in the centre.
Residents to be encouraged to access whichever relief centre is the
easiest and safest to get to, regardless of whether or not it lies within
their own municipality.
A full suite of services to be provided at all relief centres, with staff from
neighbouring municipalities to be available at other relief centres if the
demand is there.
More communication about the location of relief centres via ABC radio
at times of threat warnings so that residents do not have to hunt out
this information and they know where to go and what to do.
Establishment of relief centres as soon as a threat message is made
about an area (or direct residents to temporarily access another
existing relief centre while the local one is established),
Plans to be made in advance of the bushfire season as to where relief
centres are likely to be located, so that the situation of people
evacuating to unsafe locations does not reoccur.
One or more securely fenced areas should be established at relief
centres for pet animals to be housed close to their families.
Tammy Lobalo MP - Member for C3enibrook
Page 28
May 2000
Submissbn to 2009 Vklorian Bushlires Royal Cmlsslon
CONCLUSION
As the Member for Gembrook, I am pleased to be able to make this
submission to the Royal Commission. The Bunyip Ridge fire destroyed
approximately 28,000 hectares of forested area, much of which was In my
electorate. Two other fires, in particular the Murrindindi fire, which posed a
relentless threat for around four weeks, encircled my electorate.
My constituents have expressed their support for the Royal Commission and
appreciated the opportunity to provide details of their experiences, as well as
their feedback and suggestions.
I would like to thank all the members of my communities who attended the two
bushfire feedback workshops held in Warburton and Gembrook that I
conducted. Those sessions provided me with valuable information that has
been utilised in this submission.
I would also like to thank the Treasurer, The Hon. John Lenders MP and the
Minister for Police & Emergency Services, The Hon. Bob Cameron MP for
attending these forums to hear the firsthand experiences of Gembrook
electorate residents.
Thanks also go to Lisa Neville MP, Minister for Community Services, for
visiting the Gembrook electorate during the bushfires and ensuring that the
support and services required by residents was delivered in a thely and
responsive fashion.
My heartfelt thanks go to all emergency services workers and volunteers for
their efforts in the Gembrook electorate during the period of fire threat. This
includes all CFA brigades, SES, police, and ambulance. Staff from both Parks
Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment were
invaluable during this time, as were staff from the Department of Human
Services.
Those working at the Incident Control Centres, variously based at Pakenham,
Noojee, Belgrave and Woori Yallock, deserve particular thanks for their
diligence during a very stressful period.
Many charitable organisations and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the
electorate to assist those in need and displayed extraordinary generosity.
Many people decided of their own accord to cook meals, provide
accommodation, food and clothing to others, or offer a home to animals.
There are too many people to name individually birt I thank all those who
demonstrated such wonderful community spirit and assisted not only their
family, friends and neighbours but also complete strangers.
Tarnmy Lobato MP -Member for Gembrook
Page 29
M8y 2009
Submlsslon to 2009 Vlclorlan Bushfires Royal Comrnlsrion
In the wake of the devastating 2009 fires, towns and people have changed
forever. There are those who will always carry with them the memories of
being part of Black Saturday 2009 and I for one will never forget the huge
impact these events have had on my life and the lives of my fellow Victorians.
We are part of a generation for whom the date 7 February 2009 will always be
tingled with grief and sadness, and serve as a reminder of the loss and
devastation of that day.
The path to recovery is a long one but it is gratifying to know that as a
community we are taking the time to heed lessons from this tragic event. It is
also consoling to remember the words our Prime Minister The Hon. Kevin
Rudd MP uttered on that tragic weekend:
"Bushfires dlsplay fhe worst of nature but the best of humanity."
It is important for those that continue to live in areas such as the Gembrook
electorate that they have hope for the future and that the prospect of bushfire
threat does not overwhelm them. The community spirit demonstrated during
this period is perhaps the best starting paint to harness this willingness to
work together for the future.
Tammy Lobalo MP - Member lor Oenibrook
Page 30
May 2009
Subnilssion lo 2009 Viclorlan Bushfires Royal Conimtsrion
APPENDIX ONE - attached
Recommendation and findings from the Inquiry
into the itnpact of public land management
practices on bushfires in Victoria, Environment
and Natural Resources Committee, Parliament
of Victoria, June 2008.
Tammy Lobalo MP - Member tor Gembrook
Page 31
May 2009
Table of Recommendations.
PAGE
Recommendation 2.1:,
......................................................................................
......79
That the Department of Sustainability and Environment implement remote sensing
imagery as a routine part of Its pre-burn and post-burn assessment process for
prescribed burning. Maps of every prescribed burn should be produced in a similar
format to those used in Western Australia, indicating the boundary of each burn and
the varying fire intensities achieved within the burn area. The boundaries of all Fuel
Management Zones within each burn should also be indicated.
Each prescribed burn map should be made publicly available on the Department of
Sustainability and Enviroriment's webslte, together with a map of the same burn area
which shows the pre-burn fuel hazard levels and a statement of the total area treated
within each Fuel Management Zone by each prescribed burn.
Recommendation2.2:
.................
.
.
95
That In order to enhance the protection of community and ecological assets, the
Department of Sustainabilily and Environment increase its annual prescribed burning
target from 130,000 hectares to 385,000 hectares. This should be treated as a rolling
target, with any shortfalls to be made up in subsequent years.
................................ . . .
Recommendation 2.3:
...................................................95
A comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the increased prescribed burnlng
target in meeting ecological and bushfire suppression needs shauld be conducted
every three years.
Racomtnendatlan 2.4:
.............................................................................................
.95
The Department of Sustainability and Environment should report its performance
against the Increased prescribed burning target in its annual report, which should also
include the following details:
the total area treated within each fuel management zone for each region;
the total number of burns conducted within each fuel management zone for
each region; and
the extent to which planned ecological and fuel reduction outcomes were
met for proscribed burns within each fuel management zone for each
region ( a g . a summary of the results of the post-burn assessments to be
conducted in accordance with recommendation 2.3 above).
lnqulry hlo Ihe Impact of Public Land Mnnngonienl P(acl1cea on BUshBres In Vlclorln
That the Department of Sustalnability and Envlronmenf, Oeparlment of Prlmary
Industries, Parks Victoria & VicForests separately cost, and report, annual
expenditure on fuel reduction burnlng, ecological burning and regeneration burning in
their Annual Reports.
..................................
Recommendation 2.6:
W
0
6
That the Victorian Government establish a five year rolling fund which allows unused
prescribed burning monies to be rolled over into future financial years for the purpose
of subsequent prescribed burning activities.
Recotntnendaflon 2.7:
....................
, . . .
........................................
~~,....,....,...IlO
That the Victorian Government provide recurring funding for a significant increase in
regionally-based, permanent, or long-tenured, fire management personnel dedicated
to the prescribed burning program. The increase in personnel should be consistent
with the level required to achieve an annual prescribed burning target of 385,000
hectares.
The pool of available personnel should be suitably diverse and possess a wlda variety
of disciplines and skill sets, including practical skills. The Department of Sustainability
and Environment and its partner agencies should also increase the proportion of
personnel with specialist tertiary qualifications, including fire behaviour specialists,
forest scientists, landscape ecologists and conservation biologlsfs.
The Department of Environment and Sustainability and its partner agencios should
also prlorltise the development of programs to reduce the level of staff turnover and
the problem of the ageing workforce, through more effective succession planning,
Recornmendatlon 4.1 :................................................................................ 1 5 4
That the Victorian Govsrnment replace or compensate for water taken from domestic,
stock and irrigation dams, or water needed for essential use, in the event of a fire,
regardless of where the bushfire starts.
...........................................................................................177
Rocommendaflon 5.1:
That the Department of Sustainabllity and Envlronment and its partner agencies
conduct or commission research, and a possible trial study, to determine the potential
of thinning and other silvlcultural practices whether alone or In combination with
prescribed burnlng
as a means of reduclng fuel loads and as a bushfire
management strategy In Victoria's forests.
-
-
.................... ..,..................................................................
,186
Recommendation 5.2:
That the Victorlan Government expedite the Implementation of its 2006 election
commltmsnt to provlde four wheel drive clubs with access to management vehicle
only tracks.
...............................
*.....
Recommendation 5 3 ,
That the Victorian Government canslder all available means, consistent with
conservation values, for substantially increasing the access of aplarists to the publlc
land estate.
Recomrnendatlon 6.1:
.........................................................................................
,*.204
That in relation to Fire Operations Plans, the Department Sustalnubility and
Environment extends the number of community msetings during the public
consultation period to a minimum of one meeting for each Fire District, with the
possibility of repeat visits to particular areas,
Recommendation 6.2:
.......................................
. . . . . . ..
..
. ..
..
,208
That finalised Fire Operations Plans be made publicly available in their entirety (with
the exception of any private information) on the Department of Sustainability and
Environment's website and in hard-copy, and that thls requirement be clearly stated in
future Codes of Practice. This should include the "district burns list", or its future
equivalents, and a map which shows the corresponding burns for each Fire District.
Each map should be provided in a format which can bo downloaded directly from the
Department's website without the need for further data manipulation by the user. An
identical hardcopy verslon of the map for each Fire District should be also be
available to members of the public on request and free of charge.
Recommendaflon 6.3:
............................................................................................
208
That the details of any variation or amendment of a Fire Operations Plan, including:
the carrying forward or postponement of burns within the three-year period covered
by a Fire Operations Plan; the carry over, removal or rescheduling of burns belween
past, present and future Fire Operations Plans; and the alteration of burn boundaries
(Including alterations of less than 25 psr cent); should appear on the Department of
Sustainability and Environment's wobsite at.the time of the change and be included In
the Firs Operations Plan for the fallowing year.
Recommendation 6.4:
............................................................................................
200
That all information pertaining to current and planned prescribed burns be published
more prominently on the Department of Sustainability and Envfranment's website,
with a single prominent link to this material on the wsbsite homepage.
.That a process of year round community engagement in the preparation of Fire
.O~efationsPlans be established. In addition a record of year round community
*?~€lagement, as contained In the Gippsland Fire Operations Plan, should be a
of all Fire Operations Plans.
c requlrment
,
lnqulry inlo (he lmpscl of PuMlo Land Managsmsrrl Practiceson Bushtires In Vl~lorln
Recommendation 6.6:
.......................................................................................,,,,215
That the Integrated Firs Management Planning framework establish zones in the
interface between public and private land in whlch busliflre rlslc management le the
shared responsibility of the Governn~entand private landholders.
That the Victorian Gavernment estabiish a clear and consistent Bushfire Fencing
Policy for damage caused by all future bushfires and prescribed burns. The Bushflre
Fencing Policy should include the following provlslons:
the Government contribute half the cost of replacing or repairing for fencing
on the boundary between public and private land that is destroyed or
damaged by a fire which has emerged fron~public land, but only where the
cost of replacement or repair was not otherwise recoverable;
the Government pay a contribution, of up to 100 per cent, of the cost of
restoring fences or other assets destroyed or damaged by backburning
conducted during fire suppression operations;
the Government will pay the full cost of fences or other assets destroyed or
damaged if prescribed burns on public land escape onto private land;
the Government will pay the full cast of rehabilitation of fire control lines on
private property established by the Country Fire Authority or the
Department of Sustainabiiity and Environment during wildfire suppression
activity for fire orlglnatlng on public land ; and
the Government will pay the full cost of repairing or replaclng fences on
private land that are damaged or destroyed by machinery used in
controlling bushfires that originate on public land.
Recommendation6.8:
.........................................................................................
225
That the Victorian Government, and responsible agencies, expedite the
implementation of the Integrated Flre Management Planning framework.
That the Integrated Fire Management Planning framework integrate, as far as
possible, fire management planning at the municipal level with both Fire Protection
Plans (or their future equivalents) and Fire Operations Plans.
Recommendation 6.9:
...................................
.
.........226
That the Department of Sustainability and Environment and its partner agencies
continue to develop a proactive approach to engagement with the local and wider
media to achieve continuous improvoment In the standard of community informatlon
and education.
Table of Findings
PAGE
Finding 2.1:
......................
...............*.*...........‘..*..**.....*...*.**.*........
.,..0..m..m....0.49
The Committee finds that while the leglsiative, regulatory and reporting stritctures for
the planning and conduct of prescribed burning activities are complex, they provide
an appropriate system of risk management for an inherently complex land
management practice.
Finding 2.2:
...............................................................................................................
86
The Committee finds that the frequency and extent of prescribed burning has been
insuffdent, over a number of decades, for the preservation of ecological processes
and biodiversity across the public land estate. An increase In the extent and
frequency of prescribed burning for the enhancement of environmental values should
therefore be a priority for Department of Environment and Sustainability and its
partner agencies.
Finding 2.3:
..............................................................................................................
.90
'The Cammlttea finds that there is a need for an increase in the extent and frequency
of prescribed burning in catchment areas to mitigate the risks associated with future
bushfires.
Finding 2.4:
...........................................................................................................
116
The Committee finds that there is no evidence of an adverse impact by forestry
operations on the level of prescribed burning.
Finding 3.1:
.....................................................................................................
1 2 6
The bushfires of 2002103 and 2006107 were of a scale, intensity and frequency which
resulted in an immediate and severe impact on Victoria's biodiversity.
Finding 3.2:
.....................................
.
.
.
............................................................
126
The scale and intensity of the 2002103 and 2006107 bushfires were the result of
inappropriate fire regimes, and in particular, of an insufficient level of landscape-scale
Prescribed burning.
An h m a s e In prescribed burning across the landscape, as recommended in Chapter
Two, in a manner which mimics natural fire regimes, represents the most appropriate
strategy for minimising the immediate and long-term threats to biodiversity from lar0e
and intense bushfires.
xxvil
Inquiry Into (he lnipacl of Publlc Lend Men~gementPracltces on BushfiresIn Vlclorl~
That the bushfires of 2002103 and 2006107 significantly exacerbated, and contributed
to the extent of the Glppsland flood of JunelJuly 2007.
That previous land management practices, In particular an Insufficient level of
prescribed burning at a landscape-scale contributed to the scale and intensity of the
2002103 and 2006107 bushfires, thereby Increasing the severity of the recent flood
and its environmental Impacts.
............................................................................................................138
Finding 3.6:
That flood risk management is dependent on effective bushfire risk management.
Accordingly, an increased level of prescribed burning across the landscape - to
regenerate the natural mosalc of burnt and unburnt vegetatlon which prevents
excessive run-off from rainfall events - Is Integral to mltigating the risk of severe
floods of the kind experienced by Gippsland In JuneIJuly 2007.
..............................
.
..........................................................................168
Finding 5.1:
That the decline In local knowledge, skill, resources and Infrastructure associated with
the restriction of traditional land uses has had a negative impact on the ability of
relevant agencies to manage f i on public land.
Finding 5.2:
..........................
.
....................................................................m......,e174
That the reduction in the extent of timber harvesting on public land and associated
loss of local knowledge and expertise, machinery available for fire prevention and
suppression, and a decline in the number and accesslbllity of vehlcle access tracks
has had a negatlve impact on land and fire management, particularly the bushfire
suppression capacity of relevant agencies.
.............................................................................................................
201
Finding 6.1 :
The Committee finds that there is a need to improve the standard of communily and
stakeholder engagement by the Department of Sustainabilily and Envlronment and Its
partner agencies in land and fire management, In order to create a culture of
continuous engagement. Measures to achleve this should Include:
greater transparency and accountability within the Department of
Sustainability and Environment and its partner agencies;
an increased emphasis on continuously informing stakeholders and the
cornrnunity of, and the reasons for, speclfic land and fire management
activities; and
an increase in the opportunities and mechanisms for stakeholder and
cornmunlty input.
Finding 6.2:
................
.........,.......................................................I~14111.1~.I..I111~,11~.213
That the Integrated Fire Management Planning framework, Country Fire Authority
community lnaetings and the expansion of the Country Fire Authority's "Community
Fireguard", have significant potential to increase community input into the planning
and policy development far bushfire prevention and suppression, including prescribed
burning.
Finding 7.1:
...............................
.
.....................................................................
243
That to lessen the Impact of more frequent and intense fires, as predicted by climate
change projections, a substantial and sustained Increase in resources to conduct
preventive activities will be needed.
.......................................................................... ..............................244
Finding 7.2~
An increase In landscape scale prescribed burning, as recommended In Chapter Two,
represents the key strategy for minimising the fire risks associated with climate
change.
Flndlng 7.3:
.............................................................................................................
249
in order to minimise the future risk of fire and facilitate the development of appropriate
fire reglmes, key bushfire management documents, for example, the Code of Practice
and Fire Ecology Strategies, naad to explicitly consider, and if necessary, incorporate,
the potential impacts of climate change on bushflre.
-
Now is the time to decide will you leave early on every high fire risk day or w"'
you prepareto stay and defend your prapefty in a fire emergency?
ASS!
Once you make your decision, you need to work out exactly how
you'll turn that decision into action.This is your Fire Safety Plan and it's one of the most important things you can dot^ stay safe.
wk&4f
.You need to plan for
h&s@hoid,your pets, and your pose$sionr.
Makesurewwypne knowswhat they're doing,
*Practise your plan regularly.
* Mdce sure that it%a&tmble and safe.
I n a stressful fie situation, a wfltten-out, Informed,
? e h e a dFireSafetyPlan will be something you'll be
veryglad y w hsvei
-
'hdeiw-ikrn
CFA hasexcellentInformation
availablefrom your local fire
brigade, through F i n Ready
Victoria and the CFA webslte or
through Community Fireguard, which
Is a very ~cees$fulinltiaththat brings
nelghbourstogether to share knowledge
and strategies,and keep everyone safe.
r
,,,,
,
Fire Ss
Whether you're staying to defend your property or leaving early on every
high risk day, each person needsto have a Fire Safety Kit with all those
things you need to stay safe and informed.
&
w we can go
to In equlpprng ourselves, thp facl is that pteparingfor a fire
emergency a n besimple to do.
Every househdd member should have their awn klt and
a
itt
and
Pi'n'YOUr
nrsguantgmVpcan
what "
havelnywr Fire Safety Kit. Hereafesome items you might
wamm include
'&mun'ty
...
I n Calendar
h
.Appr~rlarrclothlng:ha,goggler
gloves, boots.
.Pet carrier. leash, pet food, water bowl.
Dri"iRg wwateLtotl*rles' medications'
first ald kit.
,Water supply, m m l buckers, rakes, mops, hoes, sprays, torch.
Ladder, gutter-clwping implements, downpipe plugs.
'
'
.Phone, scanner, babry-operated rad~o,laptop, spare
batteries, diary, addrers be&, money, cards, ID and keys.
Now is a good time to be absolutely certain that ysur home, car and
1 cantentsare properly insured.
I
A
Summer is in full swing, so if you haven't already got stuckinto your garden,
then now is the time to do it. Keeping your garden maintained will help reduce
the fire risk for you and your neighbours.
t's hot and windy and the lastthing we
feel like doing is gardening. But a tidy
garden helpskeep our home safe in
a fire emergency
In this area,the reality of awildfire
Is not a wall of flame or exploding
houses; it's the drift ofembers
from a fire kilometres away, that
land in the garden, smoulder and
ignite; that's how fire spreads in
residential and seml-rural areas.
A day or two in the garden can resolve most fire ha
Keep the garden as well-watered as possible whi
iplying
with current water restrictions
Keep lawns mown and trimmed.
.Rune branches or shtubbery nearthe house.
Use non-flammable mulch In gardenbeds nearthe houre;
river pebbles, scoria or Lilydaletoppings are ideal.
Staple metal flywire between decking and baseboard timbers to
prevent embers blowing in and igniting under-house area.
Keep guttering and roof valleys clean and empty.
Q & w ~ usheutd'kRow*lr?lrttywhe y s d l m~ttvdfw
ln&rmattsn in a
sad wbrtmaw & w d ~ f & & n
f6 40 it
fh?p,=q&q
-
You need to know what is happening so that you can respond
appropriately. Don't be fearful when there's no need; don't be ignorant of
any risks when you really should be aware.
February issfatisticaliy our hottest month, so It's a g o d tlmeto
double check those communication sourcesare still valid.
Your Fire Safety Plan - the one you wrote bachn October - should
includeyour information sources.
.Telephones, mobiles, N,battery-powered AM radio, Internet
phone trees, scanners and personal observations are all useful
to find out what's happening. community Fireguardcan advise
on best ways touse theseitems to best effect.
.Power outages willoccur due to weathercondtions.tr-sdawn
or to protect our firefighters.
g~gpg-cmd,.
,-
.,
,
.Keep spare bae
tmobile phones and laptop cornputerr before eachTotai Fire 8an
or high risk day.
.Obtain an 'old Fashioned'phone that works without power.
,, phone tree ar contact Iinprinted out
.Have yo
Bushfire Information Hotline: 1800 240 667 will provide the latest
information and you can takto someone for specific information.
CFA and DSE websites will have Incident sdmmar es and details of
specific incidenfsand regular updates
.
.
8 ,
8
,
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88
.
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Fin! Season Calendar
,
c
J
It's crltfcal to your family's safety to tert and practise your Fim Safety Plan often.
A
The worst thing you can do in d nre emeqency is panic.
But what if you've planned to leave early and get caught
at home in a bushfire or what if you stayed to defend, but
iind it's all too muchlThat's when it's time for a Plan 8.
Even tne mesrraia plans can go wrong at tlmes.Thai's why a
gmd, senriblb RreSfety Plan will alwayi+inclq&a Plan 8.
You nright go w Plan B when:
.vlslthg or hdfabylngh an unfamiliar ares:
you've plannerf h,leave early but a firelr slresdy In progrss
and you'recaughtat home;
you'w plannedon'staying and defending'but realii you aren't
able to mpe
Wan B'mlght be assimple asarrangingtot&eshettetata
nelghbour'i wellprepared heme.
.
.If you plan to leave early but get
aught at home, 'Plan B'muldbe to
go to a prepsred, safe am
ofp u r homeand usethe Firesafety Kit that
you prep& earlier.
-If holidaying or drfving in an unfamiliar area and there is a risk of
bushfire, tt3 rmcbl m be adaptablewtth ywr travel plansand
h m a Rre Safety Kit hyour vehicle
If you havent already consideredyour options, It'stimeto make
itif~rmeddecisions- now. That's howtoplanfora Plan B!
I
J
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4,. 1
A
m
M~~~~rrelsffA)IC~mm~nhy~wnLI~peapk
I,
We:are$ttunat?nto beresicling in the
m mntact CFACommunhySafctyar 9262 8416Co~nunItyRmguard
61errrihi~dk
@I&$o~ate:
we are surrounded bv
pmvides road Infom~Uon
end h e l p msidenu undersmd fin
:
1 "
,r!:
nature yet wlriereble to fi&.
that means if we Choo$e ~hcm bff~sdesandc c u n m u n t t b hayda
~~ w m
to live here, we need to ' ) f ~ m r s t i o n i n ~ a 8 k ~ h s l p y a 0 i m r k a f h o ~ ~ 1 l 6 t w .
If yar wwld Itlam~ a G $ A F A ' U u fn
l nthe
g SUrhlzhtDhbatlon
take that fire risk into pckPsunKNct.thk
ofRoeandw'ltforrrard lttayos. Iam
co@.ideration.
da)I&tad to rvsvldeanother Infanrution link m
nt h w