Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group

(DRCBG)

Mel Gajdek and Jo Hirst Originators of DRCBG

Currently 50 Members in DRCBG group

Background InformationWho we are?Why we formed this group?

The Australian Institute of Climate Change in Dec 2006 reports that

“..the frequency of very high and extreme fire danger days is likely to increase by 15-70% across SE

Australia by 2050…”

“The Dandenong Ranges is a fire environment... and is considered one of the 3 most fire prone areas

on the globe” ‘Living Safely with Bushfire’Sassafras – Ferny Creek

Fire Brigade

DRCBG Aims and ObjectivesSeek what matters to residents

Remaining objective and as reflective as possible

Increase awareness

To remain community focused

Facilitate positive change

DRCBG - Our JourneyDRCBG community survey

completion

Community meeting seeking solutions

Data analysis

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/drcbg

The Survey Response %

23%

21%

15%

6%

7%

14%

14%

9%

9%

8%

7%

9%

8%

9%

4%

6%

3%

5%

5%

3%

3%

1%

2%

3%

1%

Fuel reduction public land

Early Warning Systems

Fuel reduction private land

Bunkers, refuges and safety

Communication

54%

48%

40%

32%

23%

Overall percentage

of respondents

stating concern

54%48%

40%32%

23%21%

18%14%

11%7%6%

5%5%4%4%4.1%3.8%

2.6%2.5%2.1%

1.5%1.0%0.9%0.9%0.7%0.7%0.4%0.4%0.4%0.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%

Fuel reduction public landEarly Warning Systems

Fuel reduction private land Bunkers, refuges and safety

Communication Education

Traffic and RoadsPersonal resources

CFA Funding Arson and arsonists

Evacuation Fire plans

Electricty and water supplyBuilding codes/ building risk audits

Elderly and disabled residentsTotal fire ban days

Fire breaks and fire tracks Fire guard groups

Over-clearing of land Community meetings

National parks Resident Complacency/Ignorance

Early Leave Policy/ Stay or Leave registerInsurance

Housing densityInteragency Co-operation

Ember attackEmergency services

Carbon Emmision/Climate ChangeReduce private burn off

Back up housing Learning from previous fires

Crisis Centres

The Top 5 concerns stated by the respondents were;

Fuel reduction Public LandEarly Warning SystemsFuel Reduction Private

LandBunkers, refuges and

safetyCommunication

Bushfire Safety Concerns

Where do the Respondents Live?Suburb Number of

Respondents

Suburb Number of Responden

ts

Suburb Number of Respondent

s

Avonsleigh 3 Healesville 1 Sassafras 32

Belgrave 93 Kallista 28 Selby 25

Belgrave Heights 37 Kalorama 41 Seville East 4

Belgrave South 63 Macclesfield 1 Sherbrooke 10

Clematis 5 Menzies Creek 7 Silvan 4

Cockatoo 10 Monbulk 39 Tecoma 28

Driffield 1 Montrose 12 The Basin 3

Emerald 29 Mount Dandenong 59 The Patch 18

Ferntree Gully 3 Mount Evelyn 19 Tremont 1

Ferny Creek 47 Narre Warren East 1 Upper Ferntree

Gully 12

Gembrook 4 Olinda 62 Upwey 56

Community Meeting May 3rd

Burrinja Cultural Centre Upwey

94 people voted, 5 votes per person = total 470 votes

Compulsory school education Fuel reduction green measures

Underground utility linesSafe assembly areas

Roadside fuel reductionPrivate Bunkers

EWS linked to CFA systemClear private land (council permits)

Increased burning (private land)Protect habitat

More action on climate changeEducation - general

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

%

“Top 10” Survey Concerns Comparison To Top 10 Meeting Solutions

Concern (Survey) Solution (Meeting) Topic1 Fuel Reduction Public/Fuel

Reduction PrivateEducation - generally (No specific issues)

Education

2 Early Warning Systems More action on climate change No topic in “top 5”

3 Bunkers, Refuges & Safety Protect habitat, no further burning or clearing

Fuel Reduction Public

4 Communication Increased burning off opportunities on private land

Fuel Reduction Private

5 Education Easier permit process for clearing on private land

Fuel Reduction Private

6 Traffic & Roads Resident warning systems linked to CFA systems

Early Warning Systems

7 Personal Resources Private Bunkers

8 CFA Funding Roadside Fuel Reduction Fuel Reduction Public

9 Arson & Arsonists Safe Assembly Areas Bunkers, Refuge & Safety

10 Evacuation Underground Utility Lines EWS/Communication

Emerald SC Federal Cabinet Meeting

The Present

Royal Commission submission

Dandenong Ranges Early Warning System Government proposal

Community Bushfire Preparedness pilot program

DRCBG – Our Future

Royal Commission Recommendations

Increase awareness

Align community’s recommendations with government’s actions

DRCBG contact drcbg@aapt.net.au

Website www.groups.yahoo.com/group/drcbg