A Neighbourhood Safer Place (also known as a Bushfire Place of Last Resort or NSP-BPLR) is a place of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed.
What are NSP-BPLRs?
Neighbourhood Safer Places are locations that may provide some protection from direct flame and heat from a fire, but they do not guarantee safety.
Neighbourhood Safer Places are not:
- Not an alternative to planning to leave early or to stay and defend your property; they are a place of last resort if all other fire plans have failed.
- Not to be confused with Community Fire Refuges, Relief Centres, Recovery Centres or Assembly Areas, each of which have a different and specific purpose.
- Not an appropriate destination when leaving the area early.
- Not a place of shelter from other types of emergencies (e.g. to escape rising floodwaters or severe weather events).
Many NSP-BPLRs are simply a clearing that provides separation distance from the bushfire hazard (e.g. forest).
More information
You can find more information relating to Neighbourhood Safer Places at CFA.vic.gov.au
Where are NSP-BPLRs?
Manningham’s three NSPs are all outdoor and are located at:
- Park Orchards: Domeney Pavilion Verandah, 24-52 Knees Road, Park Orchards
- Wonga Park: Dudley Reserve, Dudley Road, Wonga Park
- Warrandyte: Skate Park and Basketball Courts, Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
An NSP is not an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC)
Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) are different from Emergency Relief Centres (ERCs).
In the event of an emergency, Victoria Police may instruct Council to open an ERC situated away from the location of an emergency to provide basic services and support to affected individuals and families.
An NSP does not have the same level of support or provisions or safety as an ERC.