Emerald’s Naomi Manson, John and Annabelle Bellavance have set up a community bushfire group. 37193
By Tania Martin
A GROUP of concerned Emerald residents has joined forces in a bid to get a community fire group up and running before summer.
These residents fear that few people are not prepared for what is expected to be another catastrophic fire season.
Naomi Manson, John and Annabelle Bellavance are calling for residents to get involved.
They will set up the group as a division of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group (DRCBG) in Emerald.
It will be known as the Emerald and District Bushfire Group.
Mr Bellavance said the group was vital to help educate locals to the dangers of the upcoming season.
He said it was also an important step towards coming up with an action plan in the event of a fire.
The group hopes to set up a working relationship with the CFA, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Shire of Cardinia.
Ms Manson said one of the big issues was tourists.
“We also want to get Tourism Victoria involved so we can have a plan in place so we don’t get those extra visitors up here on those days,” she said.
The group also hopes to campaign for extra green waste collections during the summer and free tipping services similar to the neighbouring Shire of Yarra Ranges.
But Mr Bellavance said the biggest issue was educating people on the dangers and the need to make a plan.
“We are not experts, but we are concerned residents and see an opportunity for cultural change and communication,” he said.
“We need to harness local knowledge and use it.”
Mr Bellavance said the group would be a forum for local residents to use to get ideas on how to prepare for the upcoming season.
“We need to identify and help seniors or others needing help in case of evacuation … create phone trees to keep others informed of fire threats,” he said.
A public meeting will be held between the CFA, DSE, and the council on 5 November at 7.30pm.
