FIRE
The City of Ballarat has a high level of commitment to the prevention and management of bushfires. Council works to implement strategies to alleviate the impact of bushfires on the community including prevention, preparation and management of the event should it occur.
Council has a legislative responsibility under the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Act 1958 to develop and maintain a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan (MFPP). The Authority may appoint a Municipal Fire Prevention Committee, which provides advice and recommendations to Council in the preparation of its Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.
Municipal Fire Management Plan
The safety of residents is a priority for the City of Ballarat, and the draft version of the Municipal Fire Management Plan (MFMP) focuses on bushfire risk. Future versions of the MFMP will include information on prevention and management of structural fires, and on safe handling of hazardous materials.
The Fire Management Plan is the result of extensive collaboration and discussion between Council, government agencies and authorities, land owners and infrastructure operators such as telecommunications, electricity and gas companies. Members of the public, including individuals and community interest groups can provide valuable input into the plan via a series of community engagement meetings, feedback can also be provided online.
The Fire Management Plan clearly articulates an integrated fire management planning framework for the municipality which will achieve consistent and effective fire management planning. It is coupled with a firm commitment to a co-operative approach, including information sharing across all agencies and communities.
Council is committed to listening to the community and invites feedback on the Municipal Fire Management Plan. The community is being asked for their feedback on the draft plan as well as the draft Township Protection Plans. The outcome of the feedback will be to improve the plan, and to submit the final draft to the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee to seek a recommendation that the draft plan goes before Council for endorsement and adoption.
To view the draft Municipal Fire Management Plan click here
To view the Mt Helen and Mt Clear Township Protection Plan click here
To view the Nerrina and Invermay Township Protection Plan click here
To view the Brown Hill and Glen Park Township Protection Plan click here
To view the Buninyong Township Protection Plan click here
To view the Ross Creek and Smythes Creek Township Protection Plan click here
How you can have your say
To download the Municipal Fire Management Plan feedback form click here
Email to ballcity@ballarat.vic.gov.au or post your submission to Municipal Fire Prevention Officer, City of Ballarat, PO BOX 655, Ballarat, VIC, 3353
For more information on Neighbourhood Safer Places, click here.
For more information on Township Protection Plans, click here.
Please visit the following links for more information regarding bushfire prevention and management:
Country Fire Authority - http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/index.htm
CFA works with the community to improve safety through prevention, community preparedness, education and fire protection activities such as:
- Development/enforcement of relevant legislation and regulations. Planning and/or implementing improved safety and information systems.
- Supporting the development of an aware and prepared community.
- Community development process to enable communities to deal with emergencies.
- Provision of support through information, resources or coordination to other organisations or personnel preparing for or engaging in prevention tasks.
- Risk profiling to identify key safety processes and priorities.
- Planning and/or providing anything ancillary to the matters listed above.
For information on what you can and can't do during Fire Danger Periods and days of Total Fire Ban, download a copy of Can I or Can't I here (129KB).
State Government of Victoria
Department of Health Victorian Bushfire Support - http://www.health.vic.gov.au/bushfire/individuals/prepare.htm
Department of Sustainability & Environment - http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrenfoe.nsf/Home+Page/DSE+Fire~Home+Page?open
The DSE is one of a number of organizations responsible for reducing the threat and impact of bushfires and managing public land.