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Melina Bath urges unified emergency advice to protect families during extreme fire events

Melina Bath calls for better coordination between the Department of Education and Emergency Management Victoria to ensure consistent and clear emergency advice for schools during bushfire and extreme weather events.

By news@gippsland - 11th November 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has called on the Allan Labor government to improve the Department of Education's delivery of warnings and advice during emergency situations. Ms Bath said schools in eastern Victoria receive inconsistent emergency advice due to a lack of coordination between the Department of Education and Emergency Management Victoria (EMV).

Melina Bath emphasised that families in regional and peri-urban areas, familiar with bushfires, floods, and storms, need consistent, timely advice from authorities to make informed decisions

Aligning emergency messaging

Ms Bath said, "On extreme fire warning days, EMV's advice is to evacuate early for safety, while the Department of Education can insist that schools remain open and encourage parents to send their children to school. The Department of Education advice is not necessarily aligning with EMV's instructions."

"A mismatch in messaging creates confusion for parents who are trying to make the best decisions for their families. Warnings need to be clear and aligned during emergency events such as bushfires to derive coordinated movement of people for the protection of lives," she said.

Consistent emergency advice

Ms Bath said families living in regional, and peri urban communities are no stranger to bushfire, floods and storms - they stay informed, but require uniform and timely advice from government agencies to decide the best course of action. "Consistent emergency advice is particularly important in townships such as Emerald, Monbulk, Gembrook, Kallista, Cockatoo, Walhalla, Loch Sport and Mallacoota where there is only one road in and out."

"During extreme events, our school Principals must be allowed to engage with local emergency services to aid families make important decisions. Advice across government departments needs to be consistent so it serves to protect, and not potentially endanger families. The Allan Labor government must ensure the delivery of consistent advice across all departments on days of rated extreme bushfire danger, to avoid placing vulnerable lives at risk," Ms Bath concluded.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
  Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events.
• Danny O’Brien delivers hundreds of donated nappies to Vinnies, supporting Gippsland families in need across the region
  Danny O’Brien has donated hundreds of unused nappies to Vinnies, collected via The Nappy Collective, helping Gippsland families experiencing "nappy stress" and encouraging ongoing community support.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.
• Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
  Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.