Mayor’s Message

From Cr Michael Whelan

The rollercoaster weather we’ve experienced over the past month may have given you a false impression of the summer we can expect.

But all the weather experts agree that El Nino is here and that means this summer will have a high chance of extreme heat and dry conditions and as all Aussies know that means an increased threat of bushfires.

Council plays a critical role in supporting control agencies such as the Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police and the State Emergency Service as well as coordinating relief in our community.

Emergency Services are preparing for the possibility of early onset of fire season and a lot of work has been done ensuring strong collaboration across the entire Gippsland region.

Council has been carrying out significant mitigation works to prepare for the season in collaboration with our integrated fire management partner agencies through the Bass Coast Fire Risk Working Group, and is taking a strategic and risk-informed approach to fire-hazard inspections. 

While concerns about fire might understandably be foremost in people’s minds, it is important to also remember the risk of heat itself. Extreme heat can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which can lead to the life-threatening condition, heatstroke.

But my most important message today is this: Every single member of the Bass Coast community has a critical role to play in their own emergency preparedness. If everyone plays their role now, we’ll all be a lot safer in the coming months.

Here are some simple things we can all do now to build community resilience:

DOWNLOAD the Vic Emergency app on your phone and stay informed.
MAKE sure you have a plan – the CFA can help you by conducting community preparedness days and Red Cross provides great resources to help community to make a plan and be prepared.
TRAVEL smart in the region – that means ensuring you have enough water, spare tyres etc.
TAKE additional precautions with babies and pets.
PLAN for power disruptions – make sure you let electricity providers know if you need supply.
PREPARE your property by slashing grass, bracken or weeds, especially around buildings and fences, and removing undergrowth, fallen branches, garden refuse and tree cuttings. I encourage residents to take advantage of Council’s Fee-Free Green Waste Disposal Period available now until 26 November.
CHECK-IN on your neighbours. Get to know each other's plans for an emergency.
BE AWARE of the heat health of the elderly and young in your life.

Making smart decisions now will go a long way to protecting yourself, your family and the community on those really hot days likely to come.

Finally, our Bass Coast community has a strong tradition of volunteerism and supporting our neighbours when times are tough. If you want to help out, I encourage you to get connected now to your local SES, CFA or other community organisation to ensure that you are inducted and ready to help when community needs you.