Bushfire refuge appeal

By Emma Sun
THE Coalition government’s plan to spend $5 million on non-compulsory land acquisitions to help bushfire survivors relocate has been criticised by locals.
The Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group says the money would be better spent providing fire refuges.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said this first stage of the Retreat and Resettlement policy comes as part of the government’s commitment to accept all the Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations.
“The Coalition government is providing funding of $5 million for the non-compulsory acquisition of land deemed to be at unacceptably high risk of being destroyed by bushfire,” Mr Ryan said.
“This scheme will give eligible bushfire survivors who are unable or unwilling to rebuild the chance to move on and buy elsewhere.
“Comprehensive consultation with the community has always been central to the development of this plan, and we will seek advice from residents in high-risk areas before we start this program.”
However, secretary of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group Mel Gajdek said the money would be much more useful elsewhere.
“We would’ve preferred that money go elsewhere, such as to building refuges,” Ms Gajdek said.
“We would much rather the funding go towards last resort options because state government research suggests 80 per cent won’t leave on high risk days and our roads can only support a very small amount of people leaving at one time.”
She suggested that the refuges could be multifunctional, and can be used by the community for various other reasons. Mr Ryan said the government has also provided $50 million to fund safer electricity assets in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
“In delivering on this commitment, the Coalition government has done what the former government was never willing or prepared to do – that is, begin the important work to reduce the amount of bushfires started by electricity assets,” he said.