Local schools have received grants from the Victorian government to clear vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire for the upcoming bushfire season.
Badger Creek Primary School, Chum Creek Primary School, Gladysdale Primary School, Healesville High School, Healesville Primary School, Hoddles Creek Primary School, Launching Place Primary School, Millwarra Primary School, Upper Yarra Secondary College, Warburton Primary School, Wesburn Primary School, Woori Yallock Primary School, and Yarra Junction Primary School have been named in the list of schools statewide that will share in $8.4 million, to carry out essential maintenance work as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP).
The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around the school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).
These schools are required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to reduce the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
The BPVP also includes a School Support Program, providing two school visits to each participating schools by an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant who develops a Vegetation Management Plan.
Schools can also engage additional bushfire related professional services – such as a Bushfire Attack Level expert – to provide further advice and support in reducing their bushfire risk.
Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world – that’s why everyone should have a bushfire plan and the VicEmergency app downloaded on their phone.
For more information on bushfire preparedness and to create your fire plan, visit fireplanner.vic.gov.au
For a list of schools receiving funding under the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program, visit vic.gov.au/bushfire-risk-register-barr
