Daylesford and Hepburn schools are among those set to benefit from State Government funding to help prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.
Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Secondary College, Hepburn Primary School and Yandoit Primary School are four of 21 schools in the Macedon electorate included in the latest round of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program.
The program, introduced in 2018, provides grants to schools on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) to carry out vegetation clearance and reduce fire risk around school buildings. Schools on the register are required to undertake vegetation works regularly to protect students, staff and facilities.
In addition to funding for vegetation clearance, the program includes support from accredited bushfire planning consultants who develop Vegetation Management Plans for each participating school. Schools can also access further professional advice, such as Bushfire Attack Level assessments, to strengthen preparedness.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the funding would help local schools reduce their risk this summer.
“When you live near a bushfire prone area it’s important to be prepared,” she said. “These grants will help twenty-one local schools in Macedon protect their community, classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire,” Ms Thomas said.
Victoria is among the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, and authorities are encouraging all residents to prepare. Families are urged to have a bushfire plan in place and to download the VicEmergency app for up-to-date warnings and advice.
A full list of schools receiving funding is available at www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-risk-register-barr.
