Since the Victorian ‘Black Saturday’ Bush Fires in 2009 and Royal Commission Inquiry, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW have introduced the Community Protection Planning (CPP) concept. A similar approach was adopted by jurisdictions seeking to enhance:
1. Bushfire awareness of the community
2. Risk management practices within and surrounding a community
3. Operational preparedness for the community

In NSW, the CPP program has been linked with the bushfire risk management framework and forms part of State policy. The program provides process and tools allowing for more effective community engagement and risk management planning for local communities. It involves detailed analysis of communities facing the greatest bushfire risk to ensure risks are better understood and adequately treated.

The NSW approach to CPPs will consist of three maps that address each of the key issues identified above. Most significantly, the NSW CPP program includes a Bush Fire Survival Map which provides essential information to assist in the preparation of personal Bush Fire Survival Plans.

Bushfire attack modelling is used to communicate the conditions a property and its occupants are likely to experience during an Extreme to Catastrophic bushfire event. The Bush Fire Survival Map contains information on potential shelter options, leave early options and the nature of access/egress for the community. The map is an effective tool in engaging members of the community on bushfire. Case studies indicate the map is increasing community understanding of bushfire risk, resulting in behavioural change. The CPP program is empowering individuals to make decisions and take responsibility for their safety resulting in a more resilient community.

This presentation will outline the NSW CPP development process and detail the development of a Bush Fire Survival Map. NSW case studies will be discussed showing how the Bush Fire Survival Map has been used to engage communities, and the outcomes.