THE State Government has accepted 66 of the 67 recommendations made in the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission final report, but will not implement a retreat and resettlement strategy.

Minister for Planning Justin Madden said the government listened to the views of communities in regional and urban-fringe areas before deciding not to go ahead with the voluntary acquisition of land in high bushfire risk areas.

“From a practical standpoint, adopting this recommendation would see some people remaining in high risk areas while their neighbours’ properties became public land under the stewardship and management of the government,” Mr Madden said.

“I do not believe that the practical application of such a policy would meet the objectives of the Royal Commissioners without having significant unintended consequences.”

Premier John Brumby has also outlined a range of the new investments in response to the recommendations, including a $403.8 million investment to meet fuel reduction increases of 275,000 hectares of all public land in the next four years.

Other key changes include the reform of firefighting agencies organisational structure, new fire mapping technology, more funding to speed up the roll-out of Neighbourhood Safer Places and a new high-visibility arson operation on high bushfire risk days.

Electricity suppliers will also face tougher maintenance requirements and a new Powerlines Bushfire Safety Taskforce will be established to examine and trial technology options to replace conventional rural power lines.

The Fire Services Levy will also be replaced with a property-based levy.

Mr Brumby said the State Government would be guided by emergency services agencies about what steps could be taken ahead of the next bushfire season. A full implementation plan for the reforms will be available in the coming weeks.

“The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission report is a catalyst for change that provides key recommendations to make our State safer from the threat of bushfires,” Mr Brumby said.

The Government will also invest $1.1 million to appoint a monitor to oversee progress of government agencies and departments in implementing Royal Commission recommendations.

What do you think of the State Government’s plan to adopt 66 of the 67 recommendations? Let us know at star@starnewsgroup.com.au