Residents invited to take part in National Fire Danger Ratings focus group workshop

Summary

Residents of Batemans Bay and surrounding areas are invited to take part in a community focus group workshop reviewing the current National Fire Danger Ratings system.

Fire Danger Ratings are an important part of managing fire in the landscape and used as a trigger for people during fires and dangerous conditions.

The current system, which many would see displayed on signs driving in to most towns across NSW, indicates the threat of fire from low-moderate through to extreme and catastrophic fire weather conditions.

A national research project, looking in to the current 50-year-old National Fire Danger Ratings system, will review how possible changes could better reflect conditions and how it could affect and influence individuals and the communities they live in.

Interested community members will be encouraged to give their feedback on areas such as:

-       How the current National Fire Danger Ratings system is understood;

-       How it delivers benefits to the community;

-       How it is relevant for individuals and their families; and

-       How the system reflects the local environment and conditions.

Feedback from those attending will be used in the national review of the current system, which could revise or improve emergency service agencies abilities to provide public warnings and give communities better information needed to prepare for the threat of fires.

The community review will be held at the Coachhouse Marina Resort, Beach Road Batemans Bay this coming Monday 22 October 2018 at 5:30pm.

Residents should register their interest to attend by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/batemans-bay-research by 4pm Sunday 21 October 2018.

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855