General News
7 October, 2021
Rec reserve designated as last resort
THE Terang Recreation Reserve was designated as the town’s Bushfire Place of Last Resort (BPLR) at last week’s Corangamite Shire ordinary council meeting.
THE Terang Recreation Reserve was designated as the town’s Bushfire Place of Last Resort (BPLR) at last week’s Corangamite Shire ordinary council meeting.
A BPLR is a place where members of the community can seek protection in the event of a bushfire.
BPLRs are not community fire refuges or relief centres but places assessed by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) as providing protection from immediate risk of direct fire.
The Mary Bradshaw Avenue on High Street had originally been nominated as a potential BPLR but was deemed non-compliant.
The Terang Recreation Reserve has been assessed in accordance with all legislative procedures and requirements, which includes criteria relating to accessibility, maintenance, the location being a defendable space and the installation of appropriate signage.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of designating the Terang Recreation Reserve as the town’s BPLR.
Cr Geraldine Conheady said there had been quite a few requests from the Terang community as to the designation of the BPLRin Terang.
“It is pleasing to have the Terang Recreation Reserve put forward as an approved option,” she said.
“There has been quite some time taken to reach this stage but the initial site put forward has been rejected and the delay really points to the careful consideration given to ensure the very best decision on the location of the BPLR was made.
“The report outlines the process of assessment and certification by the CFA. The town of Terang has a fire risk rating of medium, according to the Victorian Fire Risk register, with a high risk rating in some areas to the east and south of Terang.
“We have experienced multiple fire events, so I urge Terang residents and residents in surrounding communities to make your fire event plans and be aware of the nearest bushfire place of last resort should your own bushfire plans fail.”
Cr Nick Cole said BPLRs were valuable in helping prevent loss of life.
“The main thing is to leave early and take up residence early so there is no congestion on the roads,” he said.
“These are designated safe places, so use them.”
