By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
Efforts to prepare for bushfire season have been stepped up with a new automated fire danger rating sign being installed in Montrose.
The sign is one of 20 to be rolled out across the state as part of $2.86 million being spent on improving bushfire safety across Victoria.
Liberal candidate for Monbulk Mark Verschuur said the new sign, located on Canterbury Road near Airlie Crescent, will assist the CFA in communicating the level of fire danger every day.
“The new digital sign will display the fire danger rating, and provides the local community with the latest forecast on how dangerous a fire would be if one started.
“These new signs will bring the total number of AFDR signs to 85, and provide Victorians with another way to access information they need to make informed decisions about their own safety.”
There are also 350 static fire danger rating signs that CFA brigades manually update every day during the fire season.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wills said that the signs will make a significant impact within the community, however residents should continue find information from a variety of sources.
“The Coalition Government delivered the initial rollout of 65 automated fire danger rating signs in time for the last fire season which has provided an increase to community safety in rural and regional Victoria.
“While these signs are a highly visible way to get the latest Fire Danger Rating information, residents living in Montrose should ensure they continue to seek fire information from a variety of sources,” Mr Wells said.
Installation of new signs is near completion and all signage is expected to be operational by 1 November.
Fire Danger Ratings are also available on the CFA’s website www.emergency.vic.gov.au or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
