23 December 2009

Council adopts Township Protection plans and declares Neighbourhood Safer Places

Central Goldfields Shire Council today adopted Township Protection Plans (TPP) for Maryborough and Talbot, as well as declared Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) for both these areas.

A Neighbourhood Safer Place is a Place of Last Resort and aims to provide some protection from the effects of radiant heat during a bushfire.

The NSP for Talbot is Pioneer Reserve, corner of Fyfe and Scandinavian Crescent. For Maryborough, the NSPs is Pascoe Reserve in Gillies Street and Princess Park in Park Road.

The CFA has worked with Council to prepare the TPPs for Maryborough and Talbot as well as assess locations for NSPs. Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Chris Meddows-Taylor reminds the community that NSPs are to be used only when a person's own Fire Plan has failed.

"Residents turning up at NSPs should not expect facilities, food or drink. A NSP is a place of last resort where you MAY survive a fire.

"Those threatened by fire should follow the advice of the CFA. Know your fire plan and be prepared," Cr Meddows-Taylor said.

Council is awaiting delivery of special signage for the NSPs.

Warning about Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP)

A Neighbourhood Safer Place is a PLACE OF LAST RESORT during the passage of a bushfire. Whilst it may offer some protection from bushfire, the safety or survival of those who assemble at the NSP is not guaranteed.

Before deciding to head towards, or enter, a NSP in the event of a bushfire, be aware that:

• Many houses may offer better protection than a NSP.
• Travelling to a NSP when there is a bushfire can be extremely dangerous. There is no guarantee that you will be safe doing so.
• A NSP may not prevent death or injury from fire, embers or radiant heat when you get there.
• You should only use a NSP when your primary bushfire plan has failed or cannot be implemented.
• A NSP has limited capacity.
• There is no guarantee that CFA or other emergency services will be present at a NSP during a bushfire.
• No facilities are provided for people with special needs, including those requiring medical attention.
• A NSP may be uncomfortable and no amenities such as food or drink will be provided.
• There is no provision for animals.

Click here to go to the CFA website.

 Download an information sheet on Neighbourhood Safer Places here