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What’S In A Name?A considerable amount, according to Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety Manager, Philippa O’Halloran, who announced a new committee focused on fire prevention, management and planning. By Bass Coast - 6th May 2011 - Back to News The newly titled Bass Coast Shire Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee replaces the old Municipal Fire Prevention Committee (MFPC). More than just adding extra initials, the new committee signifies a shift of focus.
"The previous committee had a focus on fire prevention," said Mrs O’Halloran.
"This new committee looks at prevention of and management and planning for fire events and reflects the changes that have been rolled out across Victoria after the bushfires of 2009.
"There were many lessons learned from those terrible fires and these have been incorporated into the new approach."
The newly formed Committee includes representatives from Bass Coast Shire Council, CFA, DSE, Parks Victoria, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Victoria Police.
DSE Fire Management Officer, David Gallacher, said he was looking forward to working with the new committee.
"We recently completed burns across Bass Coast, in Adams Estate, The Gurdies and Wonthaggi Heathlands, to help reduce the bushfire risk to the community, "said Mr Gallacher.
"These planned burns will become part of this integrated fire management planning process," said Mr Gallacher
Damien O’Connor, Bass Coast CFA Group Officer said he could see the benefits of the new planning process.
"This will provide better strategic fire prevention planning across the Shire, which is a better result for our residents," said Mr O’Connor.
Mrs O’Halloran officially thanked the past and present members of the MFPC.
"This committee was responsible for some great initiatives like installing static water tanks and developing a network of fire access tracks," explained Mrs O’Halloran.
For more information on fires, planned burns or general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667.
For more information contact:
Rachael Millar
communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187
e r.millar@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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