The Bays prepare for summer
The Bays Community Group has encouraged its members to prepare for predicted hot temperatures over summer by making a bush fire survival plan.
Group president Mr Bob Puffett said The Bays area was particularly vulnerable given its close proximity to Brisbane Water National Park.
"It's wonderful to live in The Bays, with Brisbane Water National Park on one side and Brisbane Waters on the other.
"This is truly a magic location," Mr Puffett said.
"With the bush fire season well and truly on us and the increase in water traffic on the waterways, we have to take the appropriate action to prepare our homes, our streets and our community from actions and events that may bring us harm."
The Bays community has several red trailers known as Community Units and a number of residents trained to assist in the event of bush fire, according to Mr Puffett.
"We also have the well trained and resourced Bays Rural Fire Service," Mr Puffett said.
"I'm sure that if you need help or assistance on how to prepare your home for this fire season, you need only ask one of our groups."
Gosford Council has also urged local residents to prepare themselves and their homes before summer strikes.
Together with the NSW Rural Fire Service, council has been undertaking a number of initiatives to reduce the threat of bush fire to people and property but remind residents that they also need to take responsibility, according to Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein.
"Council manages over 6000 hectares of bushland including Crown Reserves," Cr Holstein said.
"We have around 32,000 neighbouring properties along the 580 km of council's bushland interface.
"When it comes to bush fire management, this can be a significant challenge.
"Gosford Council, in conjunction with the State and Federal Government has invested approximately three quarters of a million dollars over the past four years to conduct a Risk Analysis of the Gosford LGA to identify potential bush fire hazards and strategically manage these hazards to reduce the bush fire threat within our community.
"During the current financial year, council has completed five prescribed burns and 45 mechanical firebreaks.
"These activities provide an increased level of protection to over 750 reserve neighbours."
Cr Holstein said that preparation was the key for residents to assist in protecting their properties.
For more information on how you can prepare your property and to access a bush fire survival plan, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Newsletter, 25 Nov 2009
Bob Puffett, The Bays Community Group
Press release, 18 Nov 2009
Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford Council