News 
Issue 14: October 2015
A quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 5/9/15)
VEGETATION CLEARING TOOL
The committee discussed and reviewed the introduction of the ‘Vegetation Clearing Tool’. This tool will be available online at CFA, accessible by the public, to assist with questions about vegetation clearance around domestic properties. The tool will offer clear explanations of the 10.30 and 10.50 rule.
The tool offers a simple step by step process which asks for the postcode, which then identifies the municipality. The next questions identify when the dwelling was built and if it is a replacement dwelling etc. Once this information has been entered, the tool identifies which rule applies, whether a permit is required and what vegetation can be cleared. It is a very user friendly, self-explanatory aid for the public. You can access the tool at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/vegetation-clearing-tool/
COMMUNITY SAFETY COORDINATOR SURVEY
In order to support members recently voted into Community Safety Coordinator positions, the committee has requested CFA conduct a survey to ascertain from those members, what the transition to this role has involved.
The survey will ask what the challenges were and what the opportunities were? We will be looking to identify what has worked and what has not worked. Also, we will be seeking feedback as to what additional support members in this role would like more of. Some brigades have made this transition easily however, others may need more guidance and support. We would urge brigades to be involved and provide as much feedback and information as possible.
The survey is planned to run well before next year’s election cycles, and will give CFA the opportunity to fine tune and hone exactly what support and resources are needed to assist, in this very valuable role.
WINDFARM POLICY
CFA presented to the committee, the updated version of the “Emergency Management Guidelines for Wind Energy Facilities”, (Windfarm) policy which CFA has developed. It is a comprehensive policy which covers the planning, design and development of wind farm facilities, and advocates close consultation with CFA Region and District Offices, as well as local brigades.
The policy states that facility operators must develop a Bushfire Prevention and Emergency Response Plan in consultation with CFA, DEPI and then proceed to Energy Safe Victoria for final approval. The plan will cover siting, access and water supply. The plan offers awareness and training for emergency services and advocates the operator work closely with CFA including local brigades on issues of fuel/vegetation management.
Operators of facilities are obliged, within three months of commencement of operations, to facilitate a familiarisation visit to the site and explanation of emergency services procedures to CFA and other emergency services. We would encourage brigades to take up familiarisation opportunities and build connections and relationships with operators. You can download a copy of the policy by entering “Windfarm Policy” into the search box on the CFA website, a copy can also be found on the VFBV website.
FIRE SAFETY PLEDGE
The committee was informed of a CFA initiative which will launch an eight week “Fire Safety Pledge” in October through to December. The objectives of the pledge are to encourage the community in the awareness of their own fire risk, to create a way for brigades to engage with the community on fire safety. Members of the public can visit a webpage on the CFA website and can make and share one or two pledges; The Bushfire Safety Pledge and The Home Fire Safety Pledge.
They then encourage, via social media, their friends and family to also take the pledge. Both community members and brigades can participate in this competition and there are prizes available to individual members of the public who make a pledge, and brigades based on votes from the public as to their local brigade. This is an innovative and great opportunity for brigades to engage in fire safety messaging within their communities. You can access the site and see Brigade Leader Boards by going to; www.thefiresafetypledge.com.au
