New code bushfire management on public land
Reducing the bushfire risk to Victorian communities is the focus of the newly revised Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Public Land.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith released the new Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Public Land today.
"The new code provides a framework for the management of fire, including planned burning and bushfire response, on Victoria's public land that takes into account the lessons from recent devastating bushfires," Mr Smith said.
"The code reinforces the protection of human life as the top priority for our fire services and implements recommendation 59 of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission that the code be amended."
"The new Code of Practice also sets clear, overarching objectives for bushfire management on public land, and includes:
- Reducing the impact of bushfires on human life, communities, infrastructure, industries, the economy and the environment;
- Enhancing the resilience of our natural ecosystems;
- Focusing on risk-based bushfire management planning;
- Specifying strategies for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities; and
- Outlines new statutory obligations during bushfire response such as the Fire Services Commissioner's requirements and the obligation to warn the community.
The Code is available on Department of Sustainability and Environment's website at www.dse.vic.gov.au
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