Emergency Relief Centres

In the event of an emergency that significantly impacts the community, relief centres will be set up to assist people who have been displaced or need assistance. In emergencies, situations can change rapidly. Keep up to date during emergencies via the Strathbogie Shire Council Facebook page in a timely manner. Our relief centre location will be shared there and with the media.

Road closures

The VicRoads website has up-to-date information in relation to road closures. Emergencies can quickly result in the closure of roads – before you travel, ensure your route is clear and use multiple sources to stay informed.

Bushfire Places of Last Resort

Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) should only be used if a resident’s Bushfire Survival Plan fails and residents have no other place for shelter. BPLR should not be considered as places to relocate to when leaving early. Safety and survival cannot be guaranteed at these sites as support services will not be provided and these locations will offer minimum protection against radiant heat and embers. Welfare facilities will not be made available and the place may not provide shelter from smoke and embers.

BPLR have a number of limitations:
  • They have limited capacity and provide no guarantee of safety;
  • They do not cater for animals;
  • There is no expectation that emergency services will be present;
  • They do not provide meals, amenity or cater for special needs (e.g. Infants, the elderly, the ill or the disabled);
  • They may not provide shelter from the elements, particularly flying embers;
  • There are risks to people during access, shelter during passage of the fire front and egress from the Neighbourhood Safer Place.
  • They are NOT a Fire Refuge, Relief Centre, Recovery Centre, Assembly Area, or informal Places of Shelter, each of which has a different and specific purpose.
To date there are seven BPLR designated for Strathbogie Shire, as follows:
  • Avenel Recreation, Reserve Pavilion, 33A Anderson Street, Avenel
  • Euroa Swimming Pool Car Park, 16A Bury St, Euroa
  • Longwood Community Centre, 2A Down Street, Longwood
  • Mangalore Airport, 331 Aerodome Road, Mangalore VIC
  • Nagambie Regatta Centre, Loddings Lane (Off Vickers Road) Nagambie
  • Ruffy Recreation Reserve, “Maygar Park”, 36 Noye Lane, Ruffy
  • Strathbogie Golf Club House, 17 Armstrong Steet, Strathbogie
  • Violet Town Recreation Reserve Pavilion, 2 Tulip Street, Violet Town

Injured wildlife

The care of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife must be referred to an authorised wildlife shelter or foster carer, wildlife rehabilitation organisation or veterinarian.
The Help for Injured Wildlife tool will help you locate and contact the closest relevant wildlife carers and rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help the injured wildlife.
Other handy information is available at https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/sick-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife/sick-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife

 

Environmental impact

  • Air quality: For information on air quality, click here
  • Water recreation: Water from rivers and creeks impacted by fire is likely to contain pathogens and chemicals. For example, firefighting activities will lead to run-off of chemicals from surrounding land; animals will seek protection near water and will contaminate the water when defecating, or worse, dying and decomposing. As a consequence, you should immediately stop using that water for drinking, washing (including brushing teeth), preparing food and for any primary contact recreation.
  • Advice on using masks: Not everyone should use a mask to avoid smoke. You can find out more by clicking here

Accessibility

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.

To access information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

Emergency Management