Bushfire refuge relocated

Cockatoo Community Complex is now an identified space that offers a place of last resort during a bushfire for the local community.

By Jessica Anstice

Ahead of the 2020/21 Fire Danger Period, Cockatoo’s Neighbourhood Safer Place – Bushfire Place of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR) has moved to the Cockatoo Community Complex.

The NSP-BPLR has been relocated from Cockatoo Sports Complex to Cockatoo Community Complex at Alma Treloar Reserve in response to community feedback that a more centrally located NSP-BPLR was preferred.

Cockatoo Community Complex is now an identified space that offers a place of last resort during a bushfire for the local community, however it should only be used as a last resort and not part of a resident’s bushfire plan. It should only be used when all other bushfire plans have failed.

The council’s emergency management team works closely with the local fire brigades and the municipal fire management planning committee to review the shire’s NSP-BPLRs every year.

The most recent review found that the Cockatoo Community Complex at Alma Treloar Reserve is a better option as an NSP-BPLR because it is easier to access from the centre of town.

As the weather starts to heat up, residents are advised to plan ahead, be prepared and leave early where possible.

Other Cardinia Shire NSP-BPLR are located at Pepi’s Land in Emerald and Gembrook Community Centre.

For more information about the NSP-BPLRs visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/nsp or call the council’s customer service team on 1300 787 624.

For help making a bushfire plan, visit the Country Fire Authority (CFA) website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare