We have established three Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs), which
provide residents in bushfire affected areas a place of last resort
during a bushfire.
Wodonga's NSPs are located at Birallee Park, Martin Park oval number two and Kelly Park. NSPs were recommended as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.
NSPs may afford some protection from radiant heat, the biggest killer during bushfire. However, the degree of safety afforded by the location will depend on
a number of factors including the intensity of the bushfire. Please be aware of the following risks associated with NSPs:
- Going to a NSP - place of last resort is an option of last resort when other plans have failed;
- NSPs are not an alternative to planning to either leave early, or stay and actively defend your property;
- They are not inherently "safe" places during a bushfire;
- Many houses will provide more effective protection than NSPs;
- Travelling to a NSP may be dangerous. Traffic congestion, fire
activity, heavy smoke, accidents or fallen trees may block the route
there;
- There is no guarantee that you will not be injured or killed by fire or radiant heat when travelling to or sheltering at a NSP;
- While emergency services will make every effort to protect people
sheltering at NSPs, there is no guarantee that emergency services will
be present;
- There will be no provision for pets;
- There will generally be limited parking. Large numbers of vehicles
may further compromise what little protection the area affords; and
- No amenities (for example, food, drinks and toilets) will be provided.
NSPs are not designed to replace a personal bushfire survival plan.
CFA advises that everyone should have a written Bushfire Survival Plan. The fire commissioner has also set-up the Your Bushfire Survival website, which provides further important information.