Funding has been approved to upgrade the Bemm River Hotel as a Neighbourhood Safer Place - Place of Last Resort (NSP-PLR) and to undertake other fire prevention measures for the township, with works to commence imminently said, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said today.

“Importantly, apart from the hotel works, there is also approval for treatment of bush that will result in a fuel break for the NSP-PLR, the township and its residents.

“Whilst the buffer it is not to the level initially sought by the community, the 40 metre clearing is what can be approved and carried out prior to summer and will make a significant difference. We certainly have a recognition that more may need to be done as a follow up. This however, is a good start.

“Bemm River is a coastal community with relatively unique circumstances in that there is only one road in and out with a limited fuel break around the town. In the advent of fire, more protection needs to be afforded to the residents, especially if there is a situation where the road is cut.

“The uniqueness of this locality meant a higher level of cooperation between authorities, especially as we move from a prescriptive NSP-PLR process to an outcome that is more suited to local conditions.

“The work will bring the fuel break to the same width as that constructed in some other high risk townships in the Otways and the Dandenongs. Given it will start on the other side of a road reserve, which separates residents from the treated area, it will provide a break of over 60 metres between bushland and residences.

“There has been a great deal of negotiating taking place in relation to the detail and I am pleased that we are able to have what will be significant action completed before this summer.

 “I have no doubt the community will also be pleased to see some positive action to protect the township in the coming weeks, prior to the fire season. East Gippsland Shire, which will oversee the project, has engaged local (Bemm River) contractors to do remedial works to the hotel.  This will include:

· Upgrading for emergency power provision; · Sealing of the roof from ember attack; · Removal of the barge boards on the verandah and installation of suitable screening to prevent embers getting under the hotel.

“These works, along with the treatment of the bush area to the south of the hotel will be sufficient to make the hotel a NSP/PLR and the contractors engaged are to commence the works so that they are completed before the fire season,” said Mr Bull. 

“Having received the approval, the shire has been very proactive about getting in and getting the works done.”