VFBV has asked that the review identify the constraints and opportunities that face brigades wanting to conduct mitigation works and how they can be further assisted. The review will look at governance arrangements, standards and consistency, reporting, brigade capability and engagement, barriers to brigade and volunteer involvement and possible legislative changes that would be needed to address the concerns of brigades that are finding it increasingly difficult to carry out these works.
Before the Road Management Act of 2004, over 550 brigades were involved in these risk mitigation works. The following year there were fewer than 70, which indicates the barriers involved.
The review will look at the lessons learned and any opportunities to support Brigades in the future. CFA has committed to establishing a reference group with VFBV over the next four weeks to begin scoping the review.
