In 2011 the Wyong BFMC adopted a new bush fire risk management plan developed using the RFS Risk Register.  Wyong Shire Council provided significant staff resources to assist, with a focus on community engagement at exhibition stage.  Despite significant resourcing using traditional means, only 7 public submissions to the BFRMP were received.  The first section reviews the effectiveness of the methods undertaken and questions their value for money

Following adoption of the BFRMP, 145 Assets rated as High and above had standard treatments of "Undertake community engagement activity".  During 2011-13 Council has undertaken a Commonwealth/State/Council funded project called the Natural Areas Bush Fire Management Program.  One of the four project streams was to trial very targeted community engagement with significant resourcing, as opposed to broadscale information campaigns, and compare the engagement to determine best value for money.  Numerous tools have been tried recently including greater use of technology to connect with specific groups; smaller interactive sessions at a time and venue that suits the target audience, and one on one property inspections based around the Bush Fire Survival Plan.  Additionally, an extensive traditional engagement was undertaken on a related policy issue, but unsupported by staff engagement in the field.  The second section reviews these various outcomes. 

Key issues that have become apparent include availability of sufficiently trained staff; heavy demands on staff and volunteer time; significant differences between communities to manage due to specific demographic and geographic issues; and the relative "unattractiveness" of many small-scale events as opposed to commissioning of tangible new infrastructure, tankers, fire trails etc. In particular, the last is considered a significant impediment to obtaining adequate budgets and management support.  The paper proposes that more carefully considered cost-benefit analysis and project evaluation be undertaken to support local community engagement initiatives and state wide pilots such as Community Protection Plans.