1. Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group (DRCBG)  Mel Gajdek and Jo Hirst Originators of DRCBG  Currently 50 Members in DRCBG group

2. Background Information  Who we are?  Why we formed this group?

3. The Australian Institute of Climate Change in Dec 2006 reports that “..the frequency of very high and extreme fire danger days is likely to increase by 15-70% across SE Australia by 2050…”

4. “The Dandenong Ranges is a fire environment... and is considered one of the 3 most fire prone areas on the globe” ‘Living Safely with Bushfire’ ‘Living Safely with Bushfire’ Sassafras – Ferny Creek Fire Brigade

5. DRCBG Aims and Objectives  Seek what matters to residents  Remaining objective and as reflective as possible  Increase awareness  To remain community focused  Facilitate positive change

6. DRCBG - Our Journey  DRCBG community survey completion  Community meeting seeking solutions  Data analysis http://groups.yahoo.com/group/drcbg

7. The Survey Response % 54 % 48 % 40 % 32 % 23 % Overall percentage of respondents stating concern

8. The Top 5 concerns stated by the respondents were;  Fuel reduction Public Land  Early Warning Systems  Fuel Reduction Private Land  Bunkers, refuges and safety  Communication Bushfire Safety Concerns

9. Where do the Respondents Live? SuburbNumber of Respondent s SuburbNumber of Responden ts SuburbNumber of Respondent s Avonsleigh 3 Healesville 1 Sassafras 32 Belgrave 93 Kallista 28 Selby 25 Belgrave Heights 37 Kalorama 41 Seville East 4 Belgrave South 63 Macclesfield 1 Sherbrooke 10 Clematis5Menzies Creek 7 Silvan 4 Cockatoo 10 Monbulk 39 Tecoma 28 Driffield 1 Montrose 12 The Basin 3 Emerald 29 Mount Dandenong 59 The Patch 18 Ferntree Gully 3 Mount Evelyn 19 Tremont 1 Ferny Creek 47 Narre Warren East 1 Upper Ferntree Gully 12 Gembrook 4 Olinda 62 Upwey 56

10. Community Meeting May 3 rd Burrinja Cultural Centre Upwey

11. 94 people voted, 5 votes per person = total 470 votes

12. “Top 10” Survey Concerns Comparison To Top 10 Meeting Solutions Concern (Survey) Solution (Meeting) Topic 1Fuel Reduction Public/Fuel Reduction Private Education - generally (No specific issues) Education 2Early Warning Systems More action on climate changeNo topic in “top 5” 3Bunkers, Refuges & Safety Protect habitat, no further burning or clearing Fuel Reduction Public 4Communication Increased burning off opportunities on private land Fuel Reduction Private 5Education Easier permit process for clearing on private land Fuel Reduction Private 6Traffic & Roads Resident warning systems linked to CFA systems Early Warning Systems 7Personal Resources Private Bunkers 8CFA Funding Roadside Fuel ReductionFuel Reduction Public 9Arson & Arsonists Safe Assembly AreasBunkers, Refuge & Safety 10 Evacuation Underground Utility LinesEWS/Communication

13. Emerald SC Federal Cabinet Meeting

14. The Present  Royal Commission submission  Dandenong Ranges Early Warning System Government proposal  Community Bushfire Preparedness pilot program

15. DRCBG – Our Future  Royal Commission Recommendations  Increase awareness  Align community’s recommendations with government’s actions

16. DRCBG contact drcbg@aapt.net.au Website www.groups.yahoo.com/group/drcbg www.groups.yahoo.com/group/drcbg