By MELISSA MEEHAN
AFTER much anticipation, Emerald’s Worrell Reserve is now officially a Neighbourhood Safer Place – Place of Last Resort (NSP-PLR).
Worrell Reserve — one of three designated NSPs now in the Cardinia Shire- was a contentious decision by council, which received a vehement backlash from a section of the community after 50 Monterey cypress trees were cut down.
And despite the NSP being approved, residents are still speaking with the ombudsman and investigating the consultation process surrounding the removal of the trees.
“Now that it has been designated as an NSP, it is up to the council to explain how they exempted themselves from the same planning process they have held the community accountable to,” resident Mary Farrow said.
“The Cardinia Planning Scheme identifies the significance of the exotic hedges on Belgrave Gembrook Road as having significant vegetation to be protected.
“Also, the Cardinia Heritage Study, adopted by the council in 2011, lists the Emerald Reserve on the list of places of significance to be protected.”
Cockatoo Sports Ground and Worrell Reserve, Emerald, in addition to the existing NSP-PLR in Gembrook, will act as places of last resort for nearby residents when all other bushfire plans have failed.
Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore said these public open spaces had all been approved as meeting strict criteria and could now be used by the community in emergency situations.
“We are pleased that the two sites at Cockatoo and Emerald have now been formally designated as NSP-PLRs and this will give residents more shelter options,” Cr Moore said.
“This has been a long process, and we hope these sites are never needed.
“Of course, residents must remember that having a written bushfire plan and leaving early is still the best option. Going to an NSP-PLR does not guarantee safety and should only be used when all other plans have failed,” Cr Moore said.
A spokesperson for the Cardinia Shire Council said the shire had consulted broadly with, and had the support of the community, prior to the designation of the sites.
“The sites were also assessed by a working group of representatives from council, CFA, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria Police and VicRoads,” the spokesperson said.
“NSP-PLRs may be public open spaces like sports fields, parks or physical buildings like a community centre, hall or school; they are not purpose-built or fire-proof structures.
“While they may provide limited protection from direct flame and radiant heat, they do not guarantee safety or survival.”
Residents are reminded that NSP-PLRs still pose a risk for those travelling to them during a fire and those sheltering in them.
For more information, visit the Neighbourhood Safer Places page
