Shock tactics in Victoria’s new bushfire campaign to save lives
Victoria’s new bushfire campaign is about to be launched — and many fire survivors may find the hard-hitting content confronting and traumatic.
VIC News
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A confronting new campaign for Victoria’s bushfire season will be launched this weekend, featuring traumatic scenes of people grappling with the impact of the devastation.
Victorians are being urged to take responsibility for their own safety and prepare this year after last summer’s disastrous blazes that killed five people, destroyed 300 homes and scorched 1.5 million hectares of land.
The hard-hitting “How Well Do You Know Fire” message will be repeated this year to have residents and tourists bushfire-aware.
The TV commercial shows bushfire survivors reliving the trauma of the day they fled flames engulfing their properties.
Black Saturday survivor and bushfire recovery consultant Tony Thompson advised on the messaging and acknowledged the impact it could have on some people.
“It’s something that we don’t like to look at. But we understand that it’s necessary.
“While we’ve learnt a hard lesson, communities out there could almost be a little bit complacent and we want them to get the message loud and clear.
“We don’t want them to be a statistic.’’
Fire-affected communities would be alerted to the campaign so they can be prepared, he said.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said last season’s devastating fires drove home the importance of being prepared.
“Our emergency services are ready and these ads are designed to ask the community – are you?’’ Ms Neville said.
“Every single Victorian has a responsibility for their safety this fire season.’’
Even though the state has enjoyed above-average rainfall this year, some parts are still dry.
The campaign launch comes as Melbourne-based property owners swamped regional councils seeking permits to access their properties for bushfire preparation.
Councils started processing applications on Thursday after earlier confusion between state and local government.
Bass Coast Shire was inundated with requests from property owners wanting to complete fire and emergency work on their land. More than 2500 inquiries about how to apply for a permit flooded town hall on Monday alone.
Municipal Association Victoria chief executive Kerry Thompson said rgional councils received hundreds of phone calls after the Premier’s announcement.
“It was unfortunate that state guidance on these changes was only made available to councils days after the announcement. Councils are putting processes and systems in place to work through landowner requests as quickly as possible.”
Also, from October 29, bushfire-affected communities will be able to apply for support as part of the $68.6 million Local Economic Recovery program. Ms Neville said the will fund projects vital for community recovery, support economic stimulus projects, and boost industry and jobs.
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