Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

The Victorian Bushfire Information Line - A Joint Cfa/Dse Initiative

With summer approaching, there’s one phone number all Victorians should know: 1800 240 667, the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL).

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 24th November 2004 - Back to News

The VBIL was established in December 2003 by CFA and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to provide timely information during fires and help on how to prepare for the possibility of fire.

The VBIL also provides information on fire restrictions, Total Fire Bans and DSE prescribed burns.

The VBIL utilises the DSE Customer Service Centre as a vital tool for keeping the community informed during emergencies.

"The VBIL is now an essential part of the way CFA and DSE provide information to the community during fires," said Gary Morgan, Director of Emergency Services for DSE.

"Community safety has been improved through the provision of real time information during significant fires, enabling the community to make informed choices about their actions," said Naomi Brown, CFA Director Community Safety. " The community can also access a range of bushfire information."

The VBIL provides threat messages to the community that include information about the location and direction of fires and advice about what actions to carry out. This advice assists the community to make the appropriate decisions about what to do in response to the threat.

It is the first time in Australia that fire services have provided an Internet-based system that is also linked to Customer Service Centre call taking. This is done by publishing current fire information on the Internet. This is consistent with what the community receives when they access the websites and the information that is provided to the media by fire agencies. The community can log on directly or contact the VBIL’s professional Customer Service Officers.

Customers have the option to hear either recorded information or to speak to a Customer Service Officer. There are two ways the public can access information:

1. Recorded information on fire restrictions, how to obtain printed publications, prescribed burning program and updates on current incidents. This service is available 24 hours and is regularly updated in the case of incident information. Callers also have the option of speaking to a Customer Service Officer (during the hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday).

2. Information on a wide variety of topics is stored in a database of frequently asked questions (FAQs). The database provides operators with accurate and consistent information. As new issues are identified, new FAQs are developed on a daily basis. During major incidents Customer Service Officers are provided with an incident FAQ that provides incident information and advice for the callers.

The Victorian Bushfire Information Line number is 1800 240 667 - please call for more information, or visit the DSE or CFA websites:

www.dse.vic.gov.au

www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre staff have recently received National Relay Service training which will be the medium for the deaf community to have improved access to VBIL information for the 2004/2005 fire season.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• 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.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
  Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour.