Planning for flood, fire and heatwaves

22 August 2018 - Media release

Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed three plans to prepare, assist and recover when flood, fire and heatwaves affect the region.

Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said flood, fire and heatwaves have all been identified as high to extreme risks in the region and as such, separate plans are needed to support the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

“The Municipal Fire Management Plan was reviewed in June and is designed to develop safer communities, healthier environments and minimise risk to life and property,” Cr Weston said.

“The changes bring the plan up to date and include risk and fire intensity mapping, fire history and planned burn maps in the Rushworth area.”

“The Flood Emergency Plan for the Campaspe Municipal District was reviewed in March and includes updated mapping in Rochester, agency contact details and information about FloodZoom – a DELWP water intelligence platform.”

“The newly developed Northern Victorian Emergency Management Cluster – Municipal Heatwave Plan recognises the role local government has working with communities around issues associated with heatwave weather events.”

“There are many local government services involved in planning for emergencies such as home care services, social wellbeing, infrastructure, economic development, emergency management, sustainability and environment and town planning. A coordinated approach is required to deliver and effective plan.”

In a heatwave in 2009, 374 deaths occurred in Victoria along with 173 deaths arising from the Black Saturday bushfires the following week.

“It is clear that climate change is affecting our weather and it is increasingly important that our region is as prepared as possible to handle extreme weather periods,” Cr Weston said.

“Council partners with local organisations to support vulnerable groups in the community and aims to influence long term behaviours to minimise risk during these challenging and dangerous times.”

“Whilst endorsing the plans will not stop weather events occurring, they will help prepare for events and reduce the impact on the community.”

The plans are available on council’s website.