As summer fast approaches, councils across Australia are reminding residents to remain bushfire ready.
Already this year, fires have broken out in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, when a controlled burn off near Lancefield jumped containment lines and burnt close to 3000 hectares of land.
A staff sharing agreement allowed staff with training in emergency and recovery management from Moorabool, Mt Alexander and Hepburn Shire Councils to assist local Macedon Shire staff in operating the Lancefield recovery.
Moorabool Mayor, Councillor Tatchell, speaking shortly after the fire occurred, said this staff sharing agreement is a vital arrangement for regional councils.
“Local government runs lean in the bush compared to our metro counterparts, so there’s little capacity for an individual shire to cope with emergencies the size of [the Lancefield fire] on their own.
“That’s why the Central Victorian Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group (MEMEG) was formed and this week’s cooperation is a great example of it working for the region’s benefit.”
October 13 marked the two-year anniversary of the start of the 2013 Blue Mountains bushfires, which saw the loss of 197 homes and damage to around 800 properties.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Councillor Mark Greenhill, said the recovery process in the area is still underway.
“There are many positive signs of community recovery, such as the rebuilding of homes, re-establishing household and community routine, and the regeneration of the bush; of course, these are not the sum total of recovery but they are a good foundation.
“Council acknowledges the recovery process is ongoing and will continue its support of bushfire affected residents every step of the way.
The Mayor said the anniversary should prompt the area to take stock of past events, and prepare for the future.
“Anniversaries can elicit mixed emotions. They are a powerful reminder of how hard it is and how long it takes for individuals and communities to recover from devastating natural disasters.
“Our shared efforts in disaster recovery so far have helped to deliver the necessary support to those who experienced first hand the single greatest challenge faced by the City and the Council, and better prepare us for any future natural disaster.”
Research from the Australian Red Cross shows that Australians are not well prepared for disaster – 92% of people don’t have a written disaster plan and more than half of the population hasn’t worked out how to protect treasured objects.
Throughout 18 to 25 October, the Red Cross held Disaster Preparedness Week, which called on residents to think ahead to bushfire season.
Australian Red Cross’ Emergency Services National Preparedness Coordinator, John Richardson, said having a plan in place could help lessen the impact if disaster is to occur.
“Summer is about to start, bringing with it the increased risk of a natural disaster of cyclones, floods, storms and bushfires.
“Like every year, we have no idea what’s coming, or when. Now is the time to prepare.
“Emergencies happen and we can’t change that, but we can change how they affect our lives.”
