The basis of our approach to fire prevention planning is the realisation that there will be disasters that will stretch the fire brigade and supporting bodies.

In the case of bushfire, it's now recognised by fire and emergency services across Australia that when communities such as this are threatened, we can't depend on the fire brigade being able to protect every home, they probably won't have enough people or equipment.

It will be effective mitigation programs, including individual self-reliance, in place prior to the disaster event that will minimise the immediate and longer-term impacts on community well-being.

Our objective is to help councils develop comprehensive and cost effective fire prevention plans based on a risk management approach to identification and treatment of all fire related risks in the municipality.

To be effective the plan must have broad community acceptance and individual commitment to implementation.

The process we utilise is based on our philosophy, which is consistent with the CFA's approach to fire prevention planning. We work closely with Council, the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee, stakeholder public agencies, community interest groups and consult with the general community to identify concerns and needs.

We also assist Council and agencies having fire prevention responsibilities to develop mitigation programs tailored to individual risks, rather than rely on inefficient and sometimes ineffective broad-brush approaches. In this regard, we place considerable importance on community education programs and the creation of mutual aid community groups.

Finally, Community Safety Services' approach will deliver a strategic plan that can readily become an integral part of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

Community Safety Services is currently assisting Moorabool Shire and Wyndham City Councils to prepare Municipal Fire Prevention Plans.