Consultation to begin on bushfire museum

It has been revealed that consultation on the development of a new bushfire museum and education centre to commemorate the 2009 Black Saturday fires will begin soon.

It follows questions in Parliament by State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

“Prior to the 10th anniversary of the 2009 bushfires, the minister put out a press release stating that the government will create a new bushfire museum and education centre.”

“Three months have elapsed since that announcement without a word from the government despite offering in the press release an extensive community consultation process,” Ms McLeish said.

In response the Minister indicated that consultation for the development of the centre will begin on 7 June and run for 10 weeks. Consultation will run through the engage.vic.gov.au website and local councils will support the process.

The creation of a museum was a recommendation of the Bushfire Anniversary Advisory Group, chaired by former Premier by the Hon John Brumby AO – the idea emerging from community consultations.

The museum will focus on raising awareness of the history, stories and lessons of the 2009 fires as well as other significant bushfires that have impacted Victoria. It will include a reflective space to commemorate the past and educate generations into the future.

Ms McLeish said she wants to ensure all community members wanting to have their say on the development of the museum are able to do so.

“There are many locals across the Murrindindi Shire who are keen to support this process and to ensure any proposed museum is appropriately located and takes into account the range of feelings held in the community.”

“I am keen to support our community during this time and welcome any feedback that locals may have about the process,” Ms McLeish concluded.