By Mitchell Clarke
A $74,000 State Government grant is set to help the Upper Beaconsfield community better address bushfire risk and fuel management.
The Upper Beaconsfield Association (UBA) will join local residents and representatives from Cardinia Shire Council, DELWP and the CFA in leading a steering committee aimed at creating a range of “clear and workable solutions” to reduce bushfire risk for private landowners.
The ‘Safer Together’ grant will allow the township to better understand resident values and their perceptions around bushfires.
Southern Ranges Environment Alliance landcare facilitator Glenn Brooks-MacMillan said the Upper Beaconsfield township had been “aware and vigilant” of bushfire risk, especially since the Ash Wednesday fires.
He said information received from the community would be collated and presented through a “usable and accessible” tool to help landowners.
“Residents have many priorities with limited resources and need better information rather than directives from agencies on how best to manage their land,” Mr Brooks-MacMillan said.
“People want to do the right thing, but without the proper information and tools to help them make the right decisions they will be reluctant to address the issue.”
The project is due for completion in June 2021, before the 2021/22 fire season.
