A 'Bushfire Place of Last Resort' also known as a 'Neighbourhood Safer Place' (NSP) is a place of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed. They are open space areas where residents can go when their personal fire plans have failed, and they are left with no other option.
Community members are reminded that Colac Otway Shire is prone to bushfire (either grass or forest fire), and it is every resident's responsibility to make sure they are prepared for fire well in advance of the Fire Danger Period. Read more about Fire Prevention.
To support communities across the state, CFA brigades will host Get Fire Ready events across October offering practical advice and resources to help you get ready for the fire season.
For more information on what’s happening in your area go to Get Fire Ready | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
山火发生时最后的避难所(PDF, 2MB)
Please note: The Beech Forest Neighbourhood Safer Place – Bushfire Place of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR) has been decommissioned by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) after being marked as non-compliant due to CFA vegetation thresholds being exceeded on nearby property. It is no longer deemed to be a safe location for community members to congregate. Leaving early when advised by the CFA is always the best option!
It does not replace a well thought out and practised plan. Going to a Bushfire Place of Last Resort should be your last resort when your plans have failed.
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It may be that your home or one of your neighbours' offers better protection than an NSP.
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Travelling to an NSP when there is a bushfire can be extremely dangerous, there is no guarantee that you will be safe doing so.
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Sheltering at an NSP may not prevent death or injury from fire, embers or radiant heat.
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You should only use an NSP when your primary bushfire plan has failed or cannot be implemented.
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There is no guarantee that CFA or other emergency services will be present during a bushfire.
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No special facilities will be provided for people with special needs, including those requiring medical attention.
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NSPs have limited capacity and may be uncomfortable.
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You may be on your own, emergency service agencies may not be able to assist you at an NSP.
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Food, drinks and provision for animals will not be provided.
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.