by Frank Dean
The 2024 reporting period for the W&SRN has largely been one of Review & Consolidation of the Community Recovery after Disaster plan. Some pre-planning of other initiatives has also begun, and actions partially completed.
A restriction of funding has forced the postponement of a number of planned exercises both Intra and Extra to the W&SRN Committee participation.
One notable achievement for the reporting period has been the production and distribution of a double sided “Community Safety Checklist” towards the end of 2023. This checklist was modified from examples supplied by Mandy Baker, (Surf Coast Shire), to better suit the requirements of the Wurdale & Surrounds community. Feedback from the community has been very positive. A copy of this checklist is available on request to [email protected]
Discussions have continued with the SCS on how to reach both younger and newer community members with “Recovery after Disaster”& “Community Safety” stories.
It has been suggested that W&SRN should involve community groups such as Landcare, CFA and other community organizations to contribute relevant brochures, “Safety Games” other relevant documentation for collation into a “Community Safety Showbag”. The intention is to have a simple information pack that could be aimed at particular focus audiences e.g. new community residents or school children. The information is largely available, so collation & distribution is required by community volunteers and W&SRN members.
The coming summer is again forecast to be a potentially bad season. Rainfall for year ending July 2024 has been the lowest on record for the Otways and South –West Victoria. There are potential fire implications for residents living in these areas from high, dry fuel loads and poor water catchment in particular. Pre-preparation is the key to ensuring both properties and an informed Community are safe during these times.