The City of Greater Bendigo has made two changes to local Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) also known as Neighbourhood Safer Places for the 2026-2027 fire danger period.
Barrack Reserve will replace Holy Rosary Primary School Oval as Heathcote's BPLR and Bendigo Showgrounds will be reinstated as a BPLR.
City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environments Director Jess Howard said the relocation of Heathcote's BPLR to Barrack Reserve is in response to a request by the Heathcote CFA in late 2025. The CFA's request was based on their assessment that Barrack Reserve is more likely to be recognised and utilised by the community during an emergency and is easier to identify and access under emergency conditions.
"The recommissioning of the Bendigo Showgrounds as a BPLR is now possible following the completion of construction works through the Victorian Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which made the site unavailable last summer," Ms Howard said.
"Bushfire Places of Last Resort are a very last resort in a bushfire emergency and should only be used if all other plans have failed.
"They should not be considered as places to relocate to when leaving early as Emergency Services and other support agencies will not be in place to provide assistance. While BPLRs offer a level of protection from radiant heat and direct flame, they do not guarantee safety and are not suitable for general refuge.
"People who choose to shelter at a BPLR will need to take their own food and water, protective clothing, pet food, a mobile phone, radio, first aid and medications.
"A BPLR should not be confused with an Emergency Relief Centre which is activated during an emergency to provide displaced community members with immediate, short-term support.
"The City will continue to work with community led committees including those in Goornong and Marong to progress emergency and resilience planning initiatives. Both communities have expressed an interest in establishing a BPLR in their townships. However, this will be subject to the identification of suitable locations that meet the CFA's heat exposure thresholds."
Bushfire Places of Last Resort in Greater Bendigo are located at:
- Axedale Primary School Oval, 81 High Street Axedale
- Lansell Square Shopping Centre car park, Calder Highway Kangaroo Flat
- Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street Bendigo
- Canterbury Park car park and events area, Simpsons Road Eaglehawk
- Bendigo Showgrounds, Holmes Road North Bendigo
- Maiden Gully Primary School, basketball courts, Carolyn Way
- Lord's Raceway, McIvor Highway Junortoun
- Strathfieldsaye Community Hub - Club Court (JG Edwards Oval east of cricket pitch to Uxbridge Street)
- Dower Park, Station Street Kangaroo Flat
- Redesdale Recreation Reserve oval, Corner Moylans Road and Kyneton-Heathcote Road
- Barrack Reserve, High Street Heathcote
