FLOWERDALE will have no Bushfire Place of Last Resort (BPLR) moving forward, following the announcement by Murrindindi Shire Council and the CFA that the Flowerdale Community Hall no longer meets the requirements for designation as a BPLR. CFA’s assessment of the Flowerdale Community Hall considered factors including surrounding vegetation, the site and facility, access and emergency management requirements. Alternative locations in and around Flowerdale were also assessed, but no suitable location currently meets the required criteria. This means there will not be a designated Bushfire Place of Last Resort in Flowerdale once the current designation is formally removed. The formal process to decommission the Flowerdale site as a Bushfire Place of Last Resort is now underway, including the required notice in the Victorian Government Gazette. CFA advises that a Neighbourhood Safer Place - Bushfire Places of Last Resort is a last-resort option when other bushfire survival plans cannot be implemented. It does not guarantee safety and is not a substitute for leaving early. The CFA Neighbourhood Safer Place – Bushfire Place of Last Resort Assessment Guidelines from November 2025 outline what requirements a BPLR must meet in order to actively serve the community. They are “an area or premises that provides separation distance from the bushfire hazard (i.e. predominant vegetation) and protection from direct flame contact and excessive (life threatening) levels of radiant heat. “It is an existing location and not a purpose-built, fire-proof structure. “A BPLR may be an open space such as a local sports field, foreshore or park, or it may be located within a community facility such as a hall or sports pavilion.” During council’s review of Bushfire Places of Last Resort around the shire, they also identified further changes at other locations. Minor changes have been made at Thornton, Yarck and Marysville, while the Eildon Bushfire Place of Last Resort is being relocated from the skate park to the Eildon Recreation Reserve. Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher, said council understood the significance of the change for the Flowerdale community. "We know some Flowerdale residents have regarded the hall as a place they could go to if their other bushfire plans failed, so we understand there may be concern about this change,” Cr Gallagher said. "The designation can only remain where the required criteria are met. “Our priority now is to work closely with CFA and the Flowerdale community to make sure people understand what this change means and, most importantly, are well prepared for the fire season. “Every household should know its bushfire risk, have a plan and make informed decisions early." CFA Manager Community Safety, North East Region, Tammy Garrett, said the change reinforced the importance of every household having its own bushfire plan. "Leaving early is the safest option during a bushfire,” Ms Garrett said. “Waiting until you can see smoke or flames can leave you with very limited options and expose you to significant danger. "We strongly encourage Flowerdale residents to have a written and practised Bushfire Survival Plan, understand their local risks and make decisions based on the Fire Danger Rating and conditions, rather than waiting for a warning. "On days of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, planning to leave early is particularly important. “Your safety should never depend on reaching a place of last resort." Council and CFA will work with the Flowerdale community to ensure residents understand the change and have access to practical bushfire planning and preparedness information. CFA will also provide support through its Fire Safety Essentials program, complementing council’s Leaping into Resilience program. Cr Gallagher said council and CFA would continue to consider whether a suitable alternative location could be identified in the future. "We will continue working with CFA and the Flowerdale community,” Cr Gallagher said. “The message for residents to take away is simple: know your risk, have a plan and leave early." Further information about support and community engagement in Flowerdale will be provided shortly. Residents can find information about Bushfire Places of Last Resort on council's website at murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Community/Safety-and-Emergencies/Fire-and-Heat/Neighbourhood-Safer-Place-Bushfire-Place-of-Last-Resort For bushfire planning and preparedness advice, visit cfa.vic.gov.au
