By Dongyun Kwon
Schools in the Yarra Valley have been listed to receive grants under the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP) in recognition of their higher risk.
BPVP funding is provided for essential bushfire vegetation clearance works undertaken prior to the annual bushfire season to the school campuses listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) in categories zero to three.
More than 330 government schools across 348 campuses will share in more than $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the BPVP.
Six local schools, Healesville Primary School (PS), Healesville High School (HS), Badger Creek PS, Christmas Hills PS, Chum Creek PS and Dixons Creek PS are on the list.
Healesville PS is receiving over $26,000.
Healesville PS principal Tracey Robertson-Smith said the funds cover any tree works or emergency services works that are needed.
“Every year the business manager and myself meet with an arborist to assess our trees and vegetation to see what needs doing,” she said.
“The money has also been used in the past to replace a wooden deck with fire retardant mod wood as the deck is next to our shelter-in-place.
“Receiving this money is very important as the work needs to be done annually and the school does not have to find the funds.”
Healesville HS is receiving over $36,000.
Healesville HS principal Allan Rennick said he is grateful to the state government for the financial assistance offered through the program which allows the school to feel more confident that it is prepared for the summer and for the threat of bushfire that exists in the community.
“We complete significant preparatory works on our grounds and buildings throughout the year and particularly from now through to November,” he said.
“We source contractors to complete include slashing or clearing of all flammable undergrowth such as dry grass and vegetation, preparing a fuel-reduced zone around buildings, clearing of rooves and roof gutters, and pruning of lower limbs of established trees; removing, or trimming trees or branches over-hanging or touching buildings and sheds.
“We also use part of the funding to maintain our designated shelter-in-place which those familiar with the high school will know is the bottom stadium, female and male changing rooms and foyer adjacent to the stadium in the Educational and Community Activity Centre.”
Dixons Creek PS was closed but is still included in the BPVP recipients list with over $20,000.
“Closed schools such as Dixons Creek Primary School that still meet Bushfire At-Risk Register criteria remain at high risk of bushfire and must be maintained to protect buildings and incidental visitors to the site,” an education department spokesperson said.
“The BPVP funding ensures the reduction of bushfire risk to school buildings and communities.”
Badger Creek PS is receiving over $25000, Christmas Hills PS nearly $20,000 and Chum Creek PS almost $22,000, and the Star Mail contacted all of them.
