Torquay, Bellarine face extreme bushfire threat summer

Much of the Geelong region’s coast is under extreme bushfire threat this summer, with new data showing the risk for suburbs.

Nearly all of the region’s coast is in the firing line this summer. Picture: Mark Stewart

Nearly all our coast is in the firing line this summer, with 77 per cent of Torquay and 99 per cent of the Bellarine under threat from bushfires.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2023, recently released by the national council for fire and emergency services, predicts spring’s record-breaking dry conditions and warmer-than-average temperatures are expected to continue well into the New Year.

In conjunction with the report, a new tool, launched by 360info at Monash University, shows the bushfire risk for each individual suburb.

Across the Surf Coast, the study shows a staggering 100 per cent of the Bells Beach region under threat, 99 per cent of Bellbrae, 97 per cent of Breamlea, 80 per cent of Jan Juc, and 77 per cent of Torquay.

For the Bellarine, it shows 99 per cent of the Bellarine region under threat, 100 per cent of Mannerim, 94 per cent of Drysdale and 86 per cent of Portarlington.

Country Fire Authority District 7 Commander Wayne Aylmer said the fire season had “well and truly started across the country”.

“We can see that the risk is there,” he said.

“This recent amount of rain that we have had will give us reprieve for a week or two.”

Mr Aylmer urged residents not to be complacent against the risk of fire, following a number of years without the threat of severe bushfires.

“You can always have a decent fire in Victoria, this year (the risk) is definitely starting to amp up again … next year and the year after will be drier again.”

Residents are being urged to ensure their properties are clear and that they have adequate fire action plans in place, while authorities are ensuring extra resources are on standby.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker met with CFA Bellarine Commander Ian Beswick, and CFA Portarlington Fire Captain Lachie Thompson, last week to discuss fire risks.

Ms Coker said the report revealed significant rainfall over the past few years has led to more vegetation growth and difficult conditions to complete hazard reduction burns.

The conditions would continue to dry out fuel loads in areas across Australia, including those affected in 2019-20 Black Summer season, increasing the risk of large bush and grassfires, she said.

Ms Coker said the outlook was a clear reminder that all residents need to be prepared.

“The seasonal outlook helps to identify areas at higher risk, and also assists local emergency services to plan and preposition resources as we head into summer,” Ms Coker said.

“A lot of people moved to our region post-Covid, which means larger populations that may be less familiar with bushfire and heatwave preparation.”

Originally published as Torquay, Bellarine face extreme bushfire threat summer