With today’s Catastrophic Fire Day declared for our region many have asked the question: where is Castlemaine’s designated ‘Place of Last Resort’ (Neighbourhood Safer Place – NSP)?
It was previously Western Reserve but has now shifted to Victory Park in Mostyn Street.
Victory Park is identified as the current NSP-BPLR (Neighbourhood Safer Place – Bushfire Place of Last Resort), offering a spot to go when all other bushfire plans fail, though it’s a high-risk spot and not a guaranteed safe haven. It’s crucial to understand these are for emergencies only, not substitutes for leaving early, and other options like a vehicle or body of water are also last resorts.
Other NSP-BPLR’s in our region include Campbells Creek Community Centre, Harcourt Valley Primary School Basketball Stadium, John Powell Reserve Guildford, Taradale Hall and Newstead Community Centre. These are subject to change depending on conditions.
NSP-BPLR are not to be confused with ‘Community Fire Refuges’, Relief Centres, Recovery Centres or Assembly Areas, which have a different and specific purpose. There are currently five Community Fire Refuges operating in Victoria to support those in fire-affected areas.
Visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/home/local-information to check the latest local information.
