Surf Coast Shire Council has reduced the size of Anglesea's riverbank bushfire place of last resort to improve safety, following assessment by the Country Fire Authority.
Council resolved at its October meeting to approve the adjustment to reduce risk of people being exposed to dangerous levels of radiant heat during a bushfire emergency.
The CFA found during an annual inspection that a northern section of the site did not meet radiant heat guidelines due to the proximity and volume of vegetation in the coastal reserve on the opposite, eastern, bank of the Anglesea River.
Bushfire places of last resort, BPLR, are locations where people can seek refuge from a fire when all other survival plans have failed. While they may provide some protection from direct flames and radiant heat, they cannot be considered safe and are exposed to the elements including wind, smoke and embers.
The CFA advise do not plan to use a BPLR in a bushfire, they are a back-up when plans have failed
Cr Leon Walker: "CFA assessment determined that a greater distance is required between the radiant heat fuel source and the place of last resort.
"Reducing the BPLR footprint by about one-fifth was determined as the best alternative in the circumstances, as removal of vegetation in the coastal reserve would require a permit and there is not enough time before the summer bushfire season to go through a permit application process.
"While it is important for our communities to have these places of last resort, it is critical that people regard them as just that, and have other personal bushfire plans in place.
"Leaving early before an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day is the best option for safety.
"Now is the time to revisit, plan and adapt your own personal bushfire and emergency plan before summer kicks in."
Anglesea has two bushfire places of last resort – the riverbank area and the town's main shopping strip car park. No changes are required for the shopping strip BPLR.
Councils are responsible for designating BPLRs. Annual CFA assessments evaluate potential threats within 310 metres of the refuge perimeters.
The coastal reserve on the east side of the Anglesea River is managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Ensuring communities are prepared ahead of emergencies, supported during them and resilient in their aftermath is a strategic objective in the 2025-2029 Council Plan.
People can find information about preparing and planning for bushfire emergencies via:
Our Emergencies and Safety page
The CFA's Make Your Fire Plan page
