Fireplan Update Vol 24 April 2009

FirePlan Update

Vol. 24 – April 2009

Milestones in Integrated Fire Management Planning Update from the Chairman

Outcomes from the State Committee

Following the tragic events of this fire season, it has become clear that agencies need to continue their support for the implementation of the IFMP process and the development of tools to assist this work.

A number of topics were discussed at the meeting on 31 March, including dispute resolution processes and the Victorian Fire Risk Register (VFFR). Outcomes were as follows;

IFMP will play an important role in the future of fire management in Victoria, providing communities with a vehicle to assist with all elements of fire planning and management. Fires like the ones experienced in Bendigo and Cardinia prove that fire can affect any community, not just those in a rural environment. It is more important than ever that communities work together at a planning and management level to prevent any further occurrence of the severity of the fires we have just experienced. Key elements of IFMP such as the establishment of regional committees and municipal trials are underway with increased interest and support from local agencies. This is our opportunity to ensure the successful implementation of IFMP. I look forward to the IFMP processes and tools becoming a core element of fire planning and management across this state, providing an opportunity for local communities to embrace new and better ways of working together. Brian Parry AM Chair State Fire Management Planning Committee

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Dispute resolution and non-participation processes were approved by the committee for inclusion in the EMMV Terms of Reference for RSFMPC’s were approved for inclusion in the EMMV Evaluation of VFFR trials in Mansfield and East Gippsland are underway with provisional evaluations expected from Mansfield at the end of April and East Gippsland at the end of June The SFMPC executive committee has been tasked with monitoring the VFRR trials with a view to adoption of the tool and associated processes as a state wide standard.

IFMP Communication Workshop On Thursday 29 January 2009, the first meeting of the IFMP agency communication representatives was held. Those in attendance found it useful to receive an overview of IFMP and how it is planned to evolve across the state. Key messages, target audiences and channels of communication delivery were also discussed. It was agreed that communication representatives would go back to their agencies and discuss agency specific communication options with their state IFMP representative. State Support Team Manager, Norm Free stressed that the IFMP implementation is one that will evolve and does not aim to establish yet

For further information: Email [email protected] Phone: (03) 9262 8469

another communication layer, but rather work within existing communication frameworks and distribution processes.

leadership group would meet bi-annually, in order to share knowledge and maintain consistency in approach.

A central list of key stakeholders for each organisation is being prepared to enable more targeted delivery of communication messages. Communication representatives were asked to source examples of collaborative planning work that could be used to demonstrate and promote the IFMP process within their own organisations and also to other member agencies. The IFMP website will be used to house these examples and any other completed promotional work. A follow up workshop will be held on Wednesday 29 April 2009 to provide updates and progress further. For further information contact: Sophie Jackson IFMP Communications Coordinator [email protected] 9262 8384 Fire Chiefs attend IFMP metropolitan meeting MFB Chief Fire Officer, Tony Murphy and CFA Deputy Chief Officer, Geoff Conway attended a meeting on Monday 1 April that brought together the IFMP leadership group from the North West, Eastern and Southern Metropolitan regions. The meeting aimed to ensure consistency in the implementation of IFMP across the three regions and assist with the establishment of regional committees. The committees will be responsible for developing Regional Strategic Fire Management Plans, which will encompass fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. “It’s important we meet the expectations of the community and establish these committees to deliver a holistic approach to fire planning.” said Tony Murphy. To ensure an integrated approach, a range of agencies attended the meeting and will be represented on the regional committees.

Geoff Conway and Tony Murphy at the Metropolitan Joint Agency Meeting Victorian Fire Risk Register The Victorian Fire Risk Register (VFRR) is a tool that can be used for wildfire to inform the risk assessment approach. The VFRR is a process that identifies assets at risk from fire; it then assesses the level of risk to these assets and provides a range of treatments to mitigate them. Treatments may include activities such as fuel reduction, community education programs and safety audits. It will also provide a practical, easy to use set of tools including; a series of large maps which display assets at risk accompanied by the mitigation treatments. This will be supported by a brief document outlining the context, community participation strategy, summary of the assessment process, and a textual record of all elements and treatments. It is anticipated that this will assist in further enhancing the integrated fire management process.

Meeting delegates agreed that the three regions would continue to work closely together and the For further information: Email [email protected] Phone: (03) 9262 8469

Your Fire Planning Network Managers If you would like more information about IFMP please contact the Fire Planning Network Manager in your region: Barwon South Western Jill Golland [email protected] 0488 678 532 Eastern (Metro) Kim Morris

Jude Kennedy and Leah McCann working on the Victorian Fire Risk Register For further information contact: Jude Kennedy Coordinator Business Improvement Systems CFA [email protected] 9262 8346

Gippsland David Johnson Grampians Jeni Taylor Hume Shaun Huguenin Loddon Mallee Darryl Glover

Other risk tools The search is still on for other tools that will help to inform the planning process particularly for identification of structural and chemical risks. Should you have any information you think might assist please email [email protected] or phone 9262 8469.

North & West (Metro) Matthew Howe Southern (Metro) Catherine Clancy

For further information: Email [email protected] Phone: (03) 9262 8469

[email protected] 0447 385 962 [email protected] 0438 743 134 [email protected] 0488 304 560 [email protected] 0429 020 632 [email protected] 0407 809 902 [email protected] 0488 327 567 [email protected]

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