Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) regional director for Barwon South-West Helen Vaughan said the draft fire operations plans show when, where and why bushfire fuel reduction, including planned burning, will be carried out over the next three years.

“The plan has been developed by DEPI and Parks Victoria fire management teams using local knowledge of the landscape,” Ms Vaughan said.

“We have also talked with communities and used sophisticated bushfire simulation technology to understand the potential impact of bushfires and the effect of fuel reduction activities in reducing the impact of bushfires on the local community.”

Ms Vaughan said the DEPI will use the information to further fine-tune the plans with specific local knowledge about events and things happening at the same time as burns or other planned fire prevention activity.

“Local knowledge is the key to building this plan to reduce bushfire risk which is why we’ve been talking to local communities and key stakeholders such as the CFA, local councils, water authorities, forest managers, bee keepers and other industry groups.”

The draft fire operations plans for each Victorian region are on display until August 31.