Warburton and Healesville are among towns in the Yarra Valley that now have Township Protection Plans in place.
NEW bushfire Township Protection Plans have hit letter boxes in 23 communities in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
The TPPs are community guides that contain township specific information, such as local risks, bushfire planning and preparation advice for both people and properties, community maps and key contacts for emergencies
CFA Eastern Metropolitan Region Manager of Community Safety Ray Fritz said TPPs were a valuable tool for planning for bushfire, and knowing what to do if one occurs.
“The plans are the result of consultation with communities, local CFA brigades and local councils,” Mr Fritz said.
“Communities have identified specific local risks, unique to them, which have been highlighted and addressed in the plan.
“Residents and visitors can use the TPP to ensure they prepared in the event of a fire.”
The 2011/12 fire season is expected to see a higher than usual grassfire risk with large fuel loads a result of strong growth after a wet winter and spring.
As those fuel loads dry out, the fire risk will be high.
And despite the wet year in 2011 the risk of bushfire in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges remains high.
TPPs were mailed out to residents in early to mid December.
The CFA urges residents to use the information to make important decisions about bushfire risk.
Actions may include:
• Remembering to leave early on a code red day;
• Preparing properties for the upcoming bushfire season;
• Developing a bushfire survival plan and discussing it with family and friends;
• Be aware of the Fire Danger Ratings in the local area.
It is important that residents keep their TPP in a safe place and use it this bushfire season.
Township Protection Plans have been developed for Badger Creek, Chum Creek, East Warburton and Big Pats Creek, Healesville, Millgrove, Powelltown, Gilderoy and Three Bridges, Reefton and McMahons Creek, Wesburn and for Warburton.
