Community Centres Bushfire Refuge

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Thank you for your feedback, the outcome of the Community Centres Bushfire Refuge survey was presented to the Council (Item 14.1 Community Consultation Outcomes : The Use of Community Centres as places of Refuge (including for domestic pets) on Extreme and Catastrophic Bushfire Risk Days as an information only report on 18 June 2024.

Your participation in our consultation on using community centres as places of refuge during bushfire emergencies is greatly appreciated. The responses we received were mixed, revealing diverse opinions on the use and funding of such services. While some respondents indicated they would use community centres as refuges on extreme and catastrophic bushfire risk days, others were either unsure or would not use the service. Key expectations for these centres included shelter, water and food, pet-friendly facilities and first aid.

Opinions on funding the service were also divided. Some respondents were willing to pay a fee or support a rate increase, while others were not. Most respondents have a bushfire action plan, including provisions for pets. Overall, the findings indicate a responsible community approach to bushfire risk but show diverse views on funding and the use of community centres as refuges.

Thank you for your support in shaping the future of our community.

Background

The City of Mitcham invited the community to provide feedback on the potential value of providing a refuge for people and domestic pets at a community centre or other facility on an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day.

This consultation sought to gather insights from our community regarding the value of having community centres or other facilities available as a refuge for people and their domestic pets during extreme and/or catastrophic fire danger days. Through this consultation, we aim to gauge the community's interest in these facilities and their willingness to use them when needed.

Thank you for your feedback, the outcome of the Community Centres Bushfire Refuge survey was presented to the Council (Item 14.1 Community Consultation Outcomes : The Use of Community Centres as places of Refuge (including for domestic pets) on Extreme and Catastrophic Bushfire Risk Days as an information only report on 18 June 2024.

Your participation in our consultation on using community centres as places of refuge during bushfire emergencies is greatly appreciated. The responses we received were mixed, revealing diverse opinions on the use and funding of such services. While some respondents indicated they would use community centres as refuges on extreme and catastrophic bushfire risk days, others were either unsure or would not use the service. Key expectations for these centres included shelter, water and food, pet-friendly facilities and first aid.

Opinions on funding the service were also divided. Some respondents were willing to pay a fee or support a rate increase, while others were not. Most respondents have a bushfire action plan, including provisions for pets. Overall, the findings indicate a responsible community approach to bushfire risk but show diverse views on funding and the use of community centres as refuges.

Thank you for your support in shaping the future of our community.

Background

The City of Mitcham invited the community to provide feedback on the potential value of providing a refuge for people and domestic pets at a community centre or other facility on an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day.

This consultation sought to gather insights from our community regarding the value of having community centres or other facilities available as a refuge for people and their domestic pets during extreme and/or catastrophic fire danger days. Through this consultation, we aim to gauge the community's interest in these facilities and their willingness to use them when needed.