Yarra Valley’s in Victoria Police, emergency services bushfire evacuation drill
A Yarra Valley community is at the centre of an emergency evacuation test in preparation for a “very real” bushfire threat this season.
Outer East
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A fire-prone Yarra Valley community will be at the centre of an emergency evacuation drill ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
Powelltown and neighbouring Three Bridges and Gilderoy residents are taking part in the exercise, set to test out emergency plans in a bushfire scenario, in the lead up to a warm and busy fire season.
Victoria Police and Emergency Management Victoria organised the October 26 exercise to prepare emergency services and the community for the “very real” threat of bushfire.
Powelltown has its own water supply and after Black Saturday, with Yarra Ranges Council, the community launched an emergency support plan to make sure it’s prepared if the town becomes isolated in an emergency.
Powelltown Water Association secretary Kim Mallamaci said the town had its own water supply — not for drinking — and collective SMS system, which was also used in emergencies to get messages out to a wide group of residents.
“This exercise is useful to us for testing our own plans,” Ms Mallamaci said.
“We understand the risk and likelihood we might get cut off if we don’t leave early.”
She said during the exercise participants would be sent information about a fire in the area, which prompts them enact their fire plan — whether that is to leave or stay.
Yarra Ranges Cr Jim Child said the evacuation was important and the council was co-operating with Victoria Police and Emergency Management Victoria.
“It makes sure the community is prepared and resilient and have their own plan in place and also makes sure the emergency services are prepared as well,” Cr Child said.
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“It’s really good coming into the fire season and it’s critical everyone is prepared.”
Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger said it was a chance for Victoria Police, emergency services and residents to assess how the area and the people respond to a bushfire threat
“There will be additional patrols in the area to engage with the community and assist with the evacuation,” Mr Grainger said.
“It’s important to remember that in a real emergency with a fast-moving bushfire, police are not always in a position to provide an evacuation alert so residents should ensure they’re well prepared.”
The evacuation will be followed by a community meeting at the Powelltown Football Ground.