engaging communities - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

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2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission—Interim Report 2 ENGAGING COMMUNITIES Fuel reduction Figure 2.3: Factors in fuel reduction Number of Communities 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Vegetation clearing – private land Fuel reduction – public land Fuel reduction – roadsides Fuel reduction Source: Community consultations, March–April 2009 2.50 2.51 2.52 As figure 2.3 indicates, fuel reduction discussions fell into three major categories of emphasis, with each receiving considerable attention. 21 Across all communities these were prominent issues that were articulated with high levels of conviction and contention. Specific concerns were raised about the build up of fuel loads on public lands and along roadsides. The Commission heard repeated criticism of the decline in fuel reduction and fuel management programs, such as controlled burning and back burning, conducted by government agencies and local councils. Many argued that the build up of fuel, particularly in state forests and national parks, was the most significant contribution to the fires. Others spoke of roadside fuel acting as ‘wicks’ that drew the fires into townships. Added to this concern were widely held views that the buffer zones and fire trail networks on crown land were insufficient and poorly maintained. Some claimed that these impediments compromised the safety of firefighters and severely limited their fire suppression efforts. Similar comments to these of Dr Chris Harvey of Kinglake and Mrs Joan Davey, whose family lived in Kinglake, were often made: The idea is if you reduce fuel, there is no fire. Bald Spur Road has never, or the mountain either side of it, has never had a fuel reduction burn … The DSE has never been up there to do any burning off … It was metres deep in some places with leaves and debris from 47 years worth of – do we call it negligence? I would call it negligence, but I don’t know whether I’m being fair. 22 Roadsides shouldn’t have trees that have the ability to block them. I believe that trees are fine so long as they have not got the ability to fall and block a road. 23 2.53 In addition, some participants maintained that tree preservation orders were too prohibitive, as were council regulations about the retention of native vegetation. These issues were contentious, with some favouring radical change, others advocating a hands-off approach, and some arguing for a ‘common sense’ balanced approach to maintaining bushland settings and making homes safe. Views expressed by Mr Ananiev and Ms Glassford illustrate the frustrations that were frequently raised in the consultations: Fallen trees are not allowed to be touched. Trees on the outside of my property are not allowed to be touched. 24 My issue has been that in some instances we have had these dangerous trees or roads reviewed three or four times and each time more trees have been taken. 25 94
Engaging Communities 2.54 A final concern to some community members was the issue of absentee landholders and ‘weekenders’ who in some communities showed little or no commitment to fuel reduction programs or standards. Insurance discounts for compliant landowners and tighter monitoring of compliance by councils were suggestions put forward by several communities. As also stated by Mr Newman: We have got a lot of suburban people in the area that are retired there and they don’t have the same learned knowledge and reactions. 26 Emergency management and coordination Figure 2.4: Issues in emergency management and coordination Number of Communities 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Evacuation centres/houses Positive use of aircraft Not enough use of local knowledge/leadership Inadequate maps/house signage Roadblocks (inc. media and looters) Emergency Management and Coordination Source: Community consultations, March–April 2009 2.55 2.56 Matters associated with resources available to fight the fires were raised but did not feature prominently, with the exception being assistance from the CFA and fire-bombing aircraft — the latter were viewed to be effective in those communities where they were used. There appeared to be tacit agreement that there would rarely be sufficient resources to deal with the multiplicity of fire outbreaks on days like 7 February. Any criticism raised in sessions about the CFA was quickly countered by other community members in the same sessions. Across all communities there was widespread praise and appreciation expressed for the CFA and other workers supporting them. The views of Mr Doug Walter of Taggerty, Mr Peter Olorenshaw of Callignee and Mrs Davey reflect widely held opinions: I would like to be able to get in touch with the fire captains and tell them how very grateful we were. 27 [The CFA] are a very selfless organisation and have assisted in clearing debris off the roads, but also the local farming community. 28 The families are all very grateful to CFA volunteers and all volunteers. 29 95
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engaging communities - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

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