AS they prepare for a summer of heightened bushfire danger residents of Eaglehawk are being invited to discuss how to prevent another Black Saturday. 

Community members are invited to an on-site discussion on the removal of hazardous trees and further fuel management works planned for the Bendigo Regional Park between Bonazza Road, Maiden Gully and Bracewell Street, Eaglehawk. 

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Murray Goldfields district manager, Paul Bates, said the consultation would focus on the specific area of the park impacted by the 2009 Bracewell Street bushfire.

“Fuel reduction works are undertaken to reduce bushfire fuels – like bark, leaves, twigs and grass – and help reduce the intensity and slow the spread of bushfires before they threaten communities,” he said. 

One man died in the Bracewell Street fire on February 7, 2009, 58 family homes and countless sheds and outbuildings were also destroyed.

It was one of a series of blazes across the state which amounted to the country’s most lethal and devastating bushfire disaster in recorded history. 

DELWP plans to carry out fuel reduction works in the Bendigo Regional Park area during spring 2015 and autumn 2016. 

“It is necessary to remove hazardous trees from the park before fuel reduction work can begin to make the park safer for the firefighters who carry out the works,” Mr Bates said. 

“By increasing safety for firefighters the tree removal works will also make it safer for the public.   

 “At the on-site consultation, DELWP and Parks Victoria staff will be available to answer questions about the tree removal work and discuss future fuel reduction operations planned for the area.” 

Acting district manager of Parks Victoria, David Major, said the department was partnering in the backburns.

“While the safety of the public and forest workers is paramount, biodiversity values have also been considered during planning,” he said. 

The fuel management consultation will be held on Saturday 24 October from 10am to 12pm at 280 Maiden Gully Road, Maiden Gully. 

Residents can drop in at their convenience. 

The Country Fire Authority began urging central Victorian residents to prepare for a long and potentially severe fire season last month.

As Australia's El Nino system continues to strengthen, bringing with its increased fire danger, the CFA has issued a blunt warning: the time to act is now.

It comes as Australia braces for its strongest El Nino in more than five decades, with a rainfall deficit stretching three years.

For information on how to prepare for the fire danger season, visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/