Protecting Ararat Rural City Schools Ahead of Bushfire Season
Ararat Rural City Council welcomes the announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll that the Allan Labor Government will provide $8.4 million in grants to help hundreds of government schools reduce bushfire risk as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP).
Schools in our municipality that will receive funding include:
- Ararat North Kinder Care
- Ararat North Primary School
- Buangor Primary School
- Moyston Primary School
These schools are listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and will receive funding to clear vegetation and carry out targeted maintenance works before the bushfire season starts. This investment will assist the schools to implement their Vegetation Management Plans for the safety and wellbeing of their students, staff, and the broader school communities.
The BPVP, introduced in 2018, allows eligible schools to engage accredited bushfire consultants and additional professional services to provide expert advice and practical support in preparing for the annual fire danger period.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong, said of the announcement, “This funding will help these local schools to make real progress in reducing fire risk. It’s reassuring to see these targeted investments, and I encourage everyone to have a plan, stay alert, and look out for one another as the warmer months approach.”
Ararat Rural City Council strongly encourages families and staff to create their own bushfire plan and download the VicEmergency app to stay informed. For more information about bushfire preparedness and developing a fire plan, visit fireplanner.vic.gov.au.
A full list of schools receiving BPVP funding can be found at the Victorian Government’s Bushfire At-Risk Register website.
