Time to consider last resorts

WEPG members Gordon Buller, Kevin Bargar and Julian Guess prepare for the ‘fire season’ public meeting. 106770_01. Picture: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

DISCUSSION around Places of Last Resort will be a focus of a public meeting organised by Warburton Emergency Planning Group on Tuesday 15 October.
The group formed in 2012 with the support of Yarra Ranges Council is charged with helping formulate plans for possible emergencies affecting Warburton.
WEPG chair Kevin Bargar said the group had to date focused on getting information out to the community about possible emergencies and how they could be planned for in the community.
A well attended public meeting in July looked at potential emergencies such as floods and storms with representatives of the SES and Melbourne Water on hand to provide information and answer questions.
With the fire season looming, the group is keen to ensure that residents have every opportunity to be informed of the risks and issues around bushfires and how the Warburton community can respond.
Representatives of Yarra Ranges Council will lead a discussion on Places of Last Resort, with representatives from the CFA also attending.
“One of the key issues that came out of 2009 was the lack of communication, and mobile phone access in an emergency is still an issue,” said WEPG member Julian Guess.
The invitation to Warburton residents is “come along and be informed”.
The meeting will be held at the new Warburton CFA station starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 15 October.
For further information phone Mr Bargar on 0438 081 252.