The Fire District Review Panel (the Panel) was established as an independent public entity on 1 July 2020 by the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 (the Act) to undertake a review of the Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) fire district boundaries on a four-yearly cycle. The Panel is bound by legislative requirements contained in section 4 of the Act.
The Act requires the Panel to use a risk-based assessment of changes in fire risk to inform recommendations to the Minister for Emergency Services (the Minister) about the FRV district boundaries. It also requires the Panel to consult with fire agencies in the development of its recommendations.
This Supporting Report to the Determination (Supporting Report) outlines the fire risk assessment methodology that has been developed and used to assess changes in fire risk. An overview of the methodology is provided in Figure 1 of this report and more detail is available on the Panel’s website vic.gov.au/fire-district-review-panel.
It accompanies the Panel’s determination published in the Victorian Government Gazette on 30 March 2023.
The inaugural review period commenced on 1 July 2020 and is due for completion by 30 June 2024.
Determination
Through a statewide analysis, 13 station response areas adjacent to FRV fire district boundaries were identified as requiring CFA advice to the Panel. These 13 station response areas are listed in Table E1 and form the Fire District Review Panel’s determination.
Table E1
Next steps
As specified in section 4K(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, from the date of gazettal, the review must be suspended to allow the CFA to provide a response to the Panel’s determination.
Following receipt of advice from the CFA and in consideration of other submissions, the Panel will undertake further analysis. The Panel will then prepare final recommendations for the Minister by 30 June 2024.
The Panel's next four-yearly review cycle of the FRV fire district boundaries will commence 1 July 2024.
Information about the Fire District Review Panel and their previous and ongoing work is available via vic.gov.au/fire-district-review-panel
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