engaging communities - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

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2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission—Interim Report 2 ENGAGING COMMUNITIES 2.66 Residents of Flowerdale and Hazeldene reported that four days transpired before emergency service personnel arrived. This time lag well exceeded responses in other areas. Nonetheless some communities spoke of there being several days or more before they had access to medical services, fuel, fresh food, power and phone coverage. Delays like those described by Mr Newman illustrate the difficulties: Water we got back on Tuesday … Thursday we got power back and then we got two bars on the mobile and I have only got a normal mobile, got two bars on Saturday, four bars on Monday so really brilliant. 37 2.67 2.68 Many people spoke of the need for urgent assistance to repair fences, and of inequities of fencing policies, particularly for people whose properties bordered crown lands. The responsibilities and liabilities of private and public landowners with regard to fencing was a highly contentious issue, causing substantial stress and anxiety for those affected. Also touched upon in a number of the consultations were issues of insurance and grants from public relief funds. The issues focused primarily on the equity of eligibility criteria. While acknowledging that it was ‘early days’, some people were concerned about criteria pertaining to insured, under-insured or un-insured property owners. Property owners who did not draw their primary income from the land, and those whose properties were not their principal place of residence, also expressed concern about perceived disparities and inequities. Another recurring concern was about the processes for making claims and applying for grants; many people were fearful that excessive ‘red tape’ would delay respite from the severe financial strain they were experiencing. Ms Sharon McCulloch of Kinglake described the same frustrations: We needed to comply with certain things to even be open again for insurance purposes, so we needed to have all our fire extinguishers checked, we needed to have our septic tank pumped … we needed to do quite a few things to satisfy them that we were publicly not liable once we re-opened again. 38 Buildings and infrastructure Figure 2.6: Concerns with buildings and infrastructure Number of Communities 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Building codes and fire rating Bunkers Underground powerlines Buildings/Infrastructure Source: Community consultations, March–April 2009 2.69 Across the 14 communities, issues raised about building codes and community infrastructure were less predominant than those issues reported under previous themes. 98
Engaging Communities 2.70 People described various building features and infrastructure that they believed would provide them with protection. But many were stunned by the non-discriminatory impact of the fires — some of the most fire-ready homes did not withstand the ferocity of the fires, while others that were less fire-protected were left standing. As suggested by Ms McCulloch in her evidence: I don’t like saying luck, but it was a bit of luck … if the wind had blown directly at us I don’t think we would have been as fortunate. 39 2.71 2.72 Few people disputed that building standards for fire protection would need serious review and upgrading. A repeated caveat, however, was that one size does not fit all; fire-prone areas can vary greatly in topography, as can the bushfire risk. The standards need to accommodate these variations. Some people spoke of the urban-rural interface of their respective communities and of their ‘lifestyle’ choice to live in bushland settings. They argued that any new developments and reconstruction regulations ought to reflect a sensible balance of competing values — environmental conservation, human safety and property protection. Mrs Matthews reflected on life in the bush as follows: We love the bush and every time we go back there is a feeling of it being our home. 40 2.73 Questions about the merits of bunkers were repeatedly raised. In many instances people expressed an openness to installing bunkers, not just on their own properties but at community centres such as schools. People suggested that an expert engineering investigation was needed so that an Australian standard could be developed. Mr Gobbett later said of bunkers: It [the bunker] saved our life in this fire. If we didn’t have it, I don’t doubt that we would be dead. 41 2.74 As figure 2.6 indicates, another concern raised in some communities was that of power poles. Many argued that power poles should be built from concrete or other fireproof materials. Others argued that powerlines should be relocated underground. Most posited that clearing of fuel loads and vegetation around powerlines had been inadequate. Mr P Brown’s view on powerlines as expressed during the hearings was illustrative of those held by others in some communities: I believe it is about time we bit the bullet and started undergrounding our power in bushfire areas. 42 Community consultations — concluding comments 2.75 As stated at the outset of the consultations, the Commission sought assistance in identifying key issues for further research and investigation, in advance of any formal hearings. This objective was certainly achieved. 2.76 The Commission is extremely grateful to all community participants who provided first-hand accounts of their experiences and views on a wide range of issues. The task of confronting, examining and discussing experiences was at times difficult for people. As emphasised in paragraph 2.35, the commitment to confidentiality has been maintained and the quotes used in this chapter to illustrate the issues raised have come from witnesses at the public hearings, not from attendees at the community consultations. The Commission thanks the attendees and other local community members and organisations who assisted in hosting and supporting the sessions. 99
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engaging communities - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

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