Community-based bushfire management in Victoria

This paper focuses on the strength of community-based bushfire management. Community-based bushfire management focuses on the development of trusting relationships. This means all those involved in the process (community members, emergency management participants, local government and community group representatives as well as others) must genuinely listen to each another, respect diverse views and be willing to learn from one another.

By valuing group diversity, a richer understanding of local issues and participant concerns can be developed. This, in turn, helps to identify the values and priorities of the group. By working this way, community-based bushfire management participants determine suitable local plans and processes to reduce bushfire risk.