Bushfire Places of Last Resort - Neighbourhood Safer Places

A Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) - or Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP) is for use only when your primary bushfire plans have failed. Sheltering at an NSP-BPLR does not guarantee your safety. An BPLR/NSP may offer improved protection (e.g. a safer place) if caught in a fire but they cannot be considered as 'safe'.

How BPLR/NSP sites are designated

Council identifies and maintains these locations. To be designated, a site must pass a CFA radiant heat assessment and meet Council standards for access, vegetation clearance, and traffic management. Agreements with landowners must also be negotiated in some cases.

A list of Surf Coast Shire locations currently designated as BPLR/NSP can be found below.You can also search the CFA website to find your nearest BPLR: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/home/local-information. 

山火发生时最后的避难所(PDF, 3MB)

Locations of Bushfire Places of Last Resort in the Surf Coast Shire

• It does not replace a well thought out and practised plan. Going to a Bushfire Place of Last Resort should be your absolute last resort when your plans have failed. 
• It may be that your home or one of your neighbours' offers better protection than an NSP.  
• Travelling to an NSP when there is a bushfire can be extremely dangerous, there is no guarantee that you will be safe doing so.
• Sheltering at an NSP may not prevent death or injury from fire, embers or radiant heat.
• You should only use an NSP when your primary bushfire plan has failed or cannot be implemented.
• There is no guarantee that CFA or other emergency services will be present during a bushfire.
• No special facilities will be provided for people with special needs, including those requiring medical attention.
• NSPs have limited capacity and may be uncomfortable.
• You may be on your own, emergency service agencies may not be able to assist you at an NSP.
• Food, drinks and provision for pets or livestock will not be provided.

You can learn more about Neighbourhood Safer Places by visiting the dedicated CFA website page: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-local-area-info-and-advice/neighbourhood-safer-places.

Accessibility:

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.

• To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
• CFA has fire safety information in other languages.