Venues to be better prepared for the bushfire danger period
For your safety this Summer, we’ve updated our venue closure procedure in preparation for the bushfire danger season. If you’re booking a Council venue that’s located in bushfire-prone land, be sure to have a back-up plan in place in case the fire danger rating on the day (FDR) requires its closure.
Planning a significant sporting, community, or social event between October and March? This falls within the Bush Fire Danger period so it’s highly advisable to consider selecting a venue that is not located on bushfire-prone land. If you do book a venue located on bushfire-prone land, ensure you have an alternative venue you can easily relocate to as plan B.
In certain cases, specific facilities have established procedures for closure in response to high, extreme, or catastrophic FDR’s. You can read more about closing facilities due to bushfire risk on our website here https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/facilities/closing-facilities-due-to-bushfire-risk and look at specific booking requirements through the online booking portal https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/facilities/halls
The FDR for the next day is typically released around 4 pm, by the Rural Fire Service. If you would like to gain further information on FDRs and what each level signifies, you can easily access comprehensive information at rfs.nsw.gov.au
It is crucial for those hiring facilities during the bushfire danger season to remain vigilant and regularly monitor the fire danger rating before utilising the chosen venue. Much like sporting clubs that routinely check the website for updates when inclement weather impacts their grounds, this practice is aligned with a similar diligence necessary to assess bushfire risk.
“When booking an oval or hall, you will find pertinent information regarding whether the facility is situated on bushfire-prone land conveniently outlined within Council’s online booking request forms.” Said George Harb, Chief Information Officer
By being proactive and staying informed about the FDR, you can ensure the safety and success of your event during the Bush Fire Danger Period, providing peace of mind to both event organisers and attendees. Remember that safety always comes first, and taking preventative measures can make a significant difference in mitigating risks associated with bushfires during this critical period.
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