Time called for fire signs

By Casey Neill
THE State Government has undermined the state’s bushfire warning system by scrapping local adjustable signs, according to The Nationals leader Peter Ryan.
Mr Ryan urged the Government to rethink its decision to replace the traditional ‘clock face’ warning board with a new sign listing only the six new fire danger levels.
“Instead of alerting people, the sign advises people to visit the CFA website, read the newspapers or phone the bushfire information line for more information,” he said.
“The sign does not go far enough to ensure the safety of residents in bushfire-prone areas.”
“The adjustable sign was a vital means of providing localised warnings for residents and passing tourists about the conditions each day.”
Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group secretary Mel Gajdek said a DRCBG member survey found support for the original signs.
“Many people may not have easy access to CFA website, showing what the risk was on any particular day,” she said.
“These boards were another information source. Mr Ryan’s proposal is logical and has merit.”
A State Government spokesman said the previous signs were in various states of repair and were not necessarily changed every day.
He said the new fire danger ratings were calculated daily, monitored throughout the day and were accompanied by warnings and advice messages.
“By directing people to places that have more detailed information it enables them to make appropriate plans in advance,” he said.
The spokesman said tourists and visitors to fire-prone areas needed to know the predicted fire danger rating for an area before they travelled there, rather than waiting to read a sign once they arrived.
“The Royal Commission has indicated it will be reviewing the effectiveness of all new policy implementations, longer term decisions about permanent signage will be then be made,” he said.