Getting ready - Nillumbik Shire Council

2AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE...Message from the MayorThe rainfall over the past 12 months hashad some positives, the dams are now fulland the grass is greener than it has beenfor a long time. However don’t let this lullyou into a false sense of security.This year we have been informed by theBureau of Meteorology that there is athreat of grass and scrubland fires withwarm summer days and the temperaturenot dropping much overnight.Now is the time to start getting ready forthose drier summer months ahead andmaking sure our gardens and propertiesare prepared as best as they can be.It’s important to think about the bushfirerisk that we all face and the CFA hasan online ‘FireReady’ Quiz to help youtest your knowledge about fire and firepreparation. Answer 10 simple questionsand you’ll be on the road to being FireReady. They also have a new Fire ReadySmartphone App which includes; realtimealerts, fire distance from user, statusof fires and planned burns info. Youcan also take advantage of a home visitwhere CFA officers will let you know whatwork you can do around your property –you can call them on 9262 8501 to makean appointment.There is also the CFA HouseholdBushfire Assessment tool which talksyou through a process of identifyingthe topography of your property, yourvegetation levels and other issues thatwill help you determine whether or notyour home could be at risk.Over the past 12 months or so, Councilhas employed trained emergencystaff and also ensured that other staffare able to assist in the event of anemergency. Council officers have alsotaken part in emergency exercisesand developed their understanding ofCouncil’s role during an event.We all need to think about the level ofbushfire risk we face and take steps tominimise that risk. The best way to dothis is to make educated and informeddecisions about how to best prepareyourself, your family and your propertyfor summer.Last year we received more calls thanwe ever have before about the heightof the grass on Council roads andreserves. Council has two differentprograms: one for maintenance and onefor specific fire prevention work.There are many roads and reservesmanaged by Council and we have toprioritise our work based on the risk thatthey pose to our residents. Not everyroad or reserve will be managed from afire prevention point of view. They willstill be maintained as part of our generalprogram but they may not receivespecific bushfire prevention work.While we work as quickly as we can,sometimes the weather provideschallenges that can be difficult tomanage. We will continue with ourmaintenance program with the resourcesavailable however we may not be able toachieve as much as we would like.Finally, I hope you find this Gettingready bulletin informative. If youwould like more information aboutfire prevention or vegetation removal,please visit: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.auor www.cfa.vic.gov.au.When it comes to being fire ready,everyone has a part to play. From theVictorian Government, CFA, NillumbikShire Council and you. It’s important thatas a community, we are each getting ready.Councillor Helen ColemanMayor