Towns on fire list of hotspots

Jessica Benton
Almost 20 towns in the region have appeared on a list of the state’s most dangerous places for bushfires.
All towns and settlements along the Great Ocean Road from Jan Juc to Lorne and most in the Otway Ranges were on the list along with Breamlea, near Black Rock, and Steiglitz, north-west of Geelong.
State Government and the CFA considered the towns among the 52 most vulnerable in Victoria because of geographical, environmental and “community factors”.
A report on the list said the towns would receive “priority” help to prepare for the next fire season, which begins about the start of November.
The Government and the CFA had developed “protection plans” for all the towns, the report said.
The plans would provide residents with information on available locations and facilities for surviving bushfires.
Region 7 CFA operations manager Bob Barry said authorities were taking a proactive approach to “high vulnerability” areas.
“Engaging the community” was key to the strategy, Mr Barry said.
“The plans will enhance the safety of emergency personnel and the community,” he said.
“It will also get the community thinking about the forthcoming fire season and it will support us in the support and recovery process.”
Mr Barry could not rule out wildfire risks to other towns around the region.
“I believe that every township in the region, apart from the heart of Geelong, is subject to wildfire risk of some sort,” he said.
“Areas like Bannockburn and the Bellarine Peninsula are all subject to wildfires but the townships that have been selected are the ones of highest risk.”
Mr Barry expected the looming fire season would be “equal to or worse” than the last.
“On the current predictions we have, we need to start to work with the community because all indications point to another severe bushfire season,” he said.
“Our area is still one of the driest and we need to be on high alert and have to be prepared to take responsibility and develop bushfire survival plans.”
The Government this week released a 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission interim report on the Black Saturday disaster.
Premier John Brumby said the Government was initiating a “whole-of-state” effort to prepare Victoria for the bushfire season.
“Victorians can be assured work is already underway on the bulk of measures recommended in the Royal Commission’s interim report and we’re determined to continue working with communities, local government and the Commonwealth to take action ahead of the bushfire season,” he said.
Township protection plans will be available before authorities declare 2009 fire danger periods across the state.