The Bushfire Place of Last Resort - Neighbourhood Safer Place at the Redesdale Recreation Reserve has undergone a change with a reduction in its footprint to help people who are forced to use this site to have less chance of being impacted by smoke, fire and embers.
Previously the large grassed open space area was the Bushfire Place of Last Resort, however it is now just the area between the hall and the pavilion where people should gather and new signs have been installed.
City of Greater Bendigo Director, Health and Wellbeing Vicky Mason said the condensed area within the Redesdale Recreation Reserve has been approved by the CFA and the City in time for the 2021/2022 fire danger period.
"The community needs to be very aware that a designated Bushfire Places of Last Resort should only be used if all other plans have failed," Ms Mason said.
"The Redesdale site has been altered for safety reasons, but residents need to be aware that no buildings are included as an indoor shelter option and residents cannot expect anyone, including emergency services, to be present at the site.
"Bushfire Places of Last Resort are a very last option they consist of a piece of open ground and should not be considered as places to relocate to when leaving early. Safety and survival cannot be guaranteed at these sites as support services will not be provided as these locations offer minimum protection against radiant heat and embers as they are purely a piece of open ground.
"They are a place of last resort, in bushfire emergencies only, that may assist people when there is imminent threat of bushfire and their planned options are not possible. On hot, dry windy days, leaving the area early before there is any chance of fire activity, including along your travel path, is always the safest option.
"Because there are no provisions at Bushfire Places of Last Resort for people and their pets or animals having a well-prepared fire plan around a more suitable location is a much better option. These locations are designed for when plans have failed to provide a last resort option to survive a fire but they come with no guarantees."
