Large turnout at CFA briefings

MORE than 2,500 people flocked to fire meetings in Cardinia Shire’s Bunyip Ward last week in the wake of the ferocious Bunyip State Park blaze.
Community gatherings were called at Tonimbuk, Garfield and Maryknoll on Wednesday night.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said the turnout – almost half the population of Cardinia Shire’s Bunyip Ward – was impressive.
“The response was terrific,” he said.
The CFA’s Cardinia Catchment operations officer Jim Dore told residents that if they planned to evacuate to do so early.
He said those who planned to stay and fight should be prepared with sprinklers, hoses and water pumps on hand.
Cr Pearson said residents with long grass, trees or personal belongings close to their houses should think twice about staying.
“It’s all about commonsense,” he said.
Cr Pearson said ABC radio was the most reliable and immediate means of information during a bushfire emergency. The CFA and DSE websites were also useful, he said.
Meetings were also held at Cockatoo and Emerald at the weekend.