Community call for bushfire advice

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By Kyra Gillespie

Victorian bushfire management agencies are calling upon those affected by bushfire or interested in bushfire management to be a part of an advisory group that will help shape the next Strategic Bushfire Management Plan.

Members of the Greater Melbourne Bushfire Strategy Advisory Group (BSAG) will contribute their expertise or local knowledge to the next plan for the Greater Melbourne Region.

“Bushfires are a part of life in Victoria. Our changing climate means our bushfire threat is constantly increasing,” FFMVIC Regional Manager of Forest and Fire Planning Shannon Devenish said.

“Many people are invested in our bushfire prevention works, whether by smoke from planned burning affecting their business activities, or by living in a high bushfire risk area. It’s important to us these groups are represented in the plan.

“We are particularly hoping to receive expressions of interest from people with an interest or investment in: agriculture, animal welfare, bees and beekeeping, community safety, stakeholder behaviour in emergencies, cultural heritage, the environment, bushfire behaviour, forestry, tourism and recreation, and wineries.”

The BSAG will not be directly responsible for preparing the bushfire management strategy, but will contribute to bushfire management strategies.

The final decision and endorsements will be made by agencies with legislative accountability.

Six regional plans will be developed across Victoria to identify the most appropriate strategies for each region. Strategies will be based on the most up to date science available and the extensive knowledge that exists within our agencies and communities.

To obtain an information pack with more info on submitting an EOI, email forestfire.planningpp@delwp.vic.gov.au

Submissions close Friday 29 June.