A Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP) is a local open space or identified building where people may gather, as a last resort, to seek shelter from bushfire. There are two approved open space NSP’s available in Redland City:

• Cleveland Showgrounds – Smith Street, Cleveland 4163
• Dunwich Sports Oval – Cunningham Street, North Stradbroke Island 4183

Neighbourhood Safer Places Site Approval (issued 07/04/22)

Use of an NSP may be your contingency plan when:

• Your Bushfire Survival Plan has failed.
• Your plan was to stay but the extent of the fire means that your home cannot withstand the impact of the fire and therefore your home is not a safe place to shelter.
• The fire has escalated to an `extreme` or `catastrophic` level and voluntary evacuation is your safest option.

The main purpose is of an NSP is to provide some level of protection to human life from the immediate life-threatening effects of a bushfire. An NSP will not guarantee safety in all circumstances as they still entail some risk, both in moving to them and while sheltering in them; they cannot be considered completely safe.

Although Queensland Fire Department (QFD) cannot guarantee an immediate presence during a bushfire, every effort will be made to provide support as soon as resources are available. The following limitations of an NSP need to be considered if people plan to use one as a last resort:

• QFD may not be present, in the event that they will be fighting the main fire front elsewhere
• NSPs do not cater for animals or pets
• NSPs do not provide meals or amenities
• NSPs may not provide shelter from the elements, particularly flying embers
• If you are with a person with special needs, consider what assistance you may require at an NSP.

If an NSP is part of your contingency plan, it should not require extended travel through fire-affected areas to get there. You should identify the travel time and distance to your identified NSP/s and include this information in your Bushfire Survival Plan. You should check and update your plan every year before bushfire season (August to December) and confirm your NSP has not changed location. Handy Tip – July is the start of a new financial year and it’s a great annual reminder to check your plans, preparedness, and emergency kit, before the bushfire and severe storm season commences from August. To create your own Bushfire Survival Plan and further information, visit the Queensland Fire Department website to create your Bushfire Survival Plan https://bushfire-survival-plan.qfes.qld.gov.au/

Once you have arrived at your NSP (open space), some actions to consider include:

• Continually listen/seek/monitor further information in relation to the fire by whatever means of communication you may have (radio, mobile phone, internet etc.)
• As fire approaches – seek protection from radiant heat and embers as best you can. Attempt to cover any exposed skin with blankets/clothing. You should lie flat on the ground during the passage of the fire front.
• Remain vigilant for possible new fire fronts from other directions.

Source (verified 05/07/2024): https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/fire-bans/redland-city-council