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Have you got your Local Shopping Gift Card Yet?

Maleny Commerce supports local businesses

Why Shop Locally?

While it may not be possible to source all our needs from our local retailers and tradesman, here are a few reasons to think twice before you make your next purchase:

It Creates local jobs and it is personal;

Shopping locally helps Australia grow;

Shopping locally gives better consumer choice and better customer service because you are shopping with a friend; Assists local businesses support local community & sporting groups;

It reduces your carbon footprint

Will you really support local businesses?

About Maleny Commerce

Maleny and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. is an incorporated body representing the business community since 1986. It is now known as Maleny Commerce. The Chamber represents the local Maleny and District business community. Join us at one of our monthly business breakfasts. www.malenycommerce.org.au https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News

Maleny Commerce seek to have working relationships with all local businesses and desire to create an environment of mutual concern for sustainable living and the betterment of our Maleny community.

Who remembers when, where and how these businesses served Maleny.

Who remembers the Dingo Diner that was in the old Nagy Building operated by Lyn & Tammy Hassle.

If you want to live in a country that builds things you have to buy things that your country builds!

Winter is fast approaching and it appears that it is going to lead into a dryer period than we have faced over the past couple of years. With the expected climate change there is likely to be a substantial increase in the temperature reached on the hottest days, and an increase in the frequency of hot days and the duration of warm spells. This will inevitably lead to the possibility of more intense bush fires in rural areas. We have already recently seen the devastating results of wild fires in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

During a bushfire, your safety depends on your preparations and the decisions you make. Make your bushfire survival plan now and know exactly what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Now is the time of year to ensure that you are well prepared for the next supper season.

Farm and Rural Property Bushfire Safety Plans

Living in a rural area comes with a range of challenges, and bushfires are one of the biggest threats. These fires can spread quickly and can be extremely difficult to contain, which is why it is essential for property owners to have a comprehensive bushfire safety plan in place. In this chapter, we will outline some essential steps that farmers and rural landowners should take to protect their properties from bushfires.

Assess Your Property

The first step in creating a bushfire safety plan is to assess your property. This assessment should include identifying potential fire hazards, such as dry vegetation, fallen branches, and other debris. You should also consider the location and condition of your buildings and any other structures on your property, such as sheds and barns.

Create a Bushfire Safety Plan

Once you have assessed your property, you should create a bushfire safety plan. This plan should include details of emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and contact information for emergency services. You should also include a detailed map of your property, showing access points and water sources.

Maintain Your Property

One of the most effective ways to protect your property from bushfires is to maintain it properly. This means regularly removing

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Who Gives A Crap? - We Do!

What do we really mean when we say our toilet paper helps build toilets?

We trust that our partner organisations know how to best improve global access to proper sanitation – that means our donation could go to building toilets. To put it into perspective, a child under five dies every two minutes from diarrhoea diseases caused by poor water and sanitation. Profits from the sale of this toilet paper is used to building toilets, but could also mean it supports larger clean water projects. This is a win - win situation!

Farm and Rural Property Bushfire Safety Plans

Living in a rural area comes with a range of challenges, and bushfires are one of the biggest threats. These fires can spread quickly and can be extremely difficult to contain, which is why it is essential for property owners to have a comprehensive bushfire safety plan in place. In this chapter, we will outline some essential steps that farmers and rural landowners should take to protect their properties from bushfires.

Assess Your Property

The first step in creating a bushfi safety plan is to assess your property. This assessment should include identifying potential fire hazards, such as dry vegetation, fallen branches, and other debris. You should also consider the location and condition of your buildings and any other structures on your property, such as sheds and barns.

Harsher fire weather

adequate firebreaks. You should also make sure that your property is easily accessible to emergency services.

Prepare Your Livestock

If you have livestock on your property, it is essential to have a plan in place to protect them from bushfires. This may include relocating them to a safer area, providing them with access to water, and ensuring that they are identifiable with ear tags or brands.

Stay Informed

Finally, it is essential to stay informed about bushfire conditions in your area. You should regularly check weather forecasts and fire danger ratings and be prepared to take action if necessary. You should also sign up for any alerts or notifications from your local emergency services.

Fire weather is a measure of fuel dryness and hot, dry, windy conditions. Climate change is likely to result in harsher fire weather in the future.

Create a Bushfire Safety Plan

Once you have assessed your property, you should create a bushfire safety plan. This plan should include details of emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and contact information for emergency services. You should also include a detailed map of your property, showing access points and water sources.

Maintain Your Property

One of the most effective ways to protect your property from bushfires is to maintain it properly. This means regularly removing dry vegetation, keeping gutters and roof spaces clear of debris, and ensuring that your property has

In conclusion, creating a bushfire safety plan is essential for farmers and rural landowners. By assessing your property, creating a plan, maintaining your property, preparing your livestock, and staying informed, you can help protect your property from the devastating effects of bushfires.

Importance of community action in bushfire safety

Bushfires are a common occurrence in many parts of Australia, and they can cause significant damage to property, wildlife, and human life. While the government and emergency services have a role to play in bushfire safety, the importance of community action cannot be overstated. In this subchapter, we will explore the importance of community action in bushfire safety and how property owners, community groups, and emergency responders can work together to protect their neighbourhoods.

Community bushfire safety initiatives are essential in developing a proactive approach to bushfire safety. These initiatives involve the community members learning about bushfire safety, preparing their properties for bushfire events, and developing evacuation plans. By working together, communities can share resources and knowledge about bushfire safety, which can help to reduce the risk of bushfire damage.

Emergency response and evacuation plans are critical in ensuring the safety of residents during bushfire events. Property owners should be aware of the local emergency response procedures and evacuation plans. They should also have a plan in place for their own property, which should include clearing vegetation and debris from around their homes, ensuring that gutters and roofs are clear of debris, and having a reliable water source available. The Sunshine Coast Council web site has much information to assist with this preparation: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-andCommunity/Community-Safety/Disasters Bushfire safety for farmers and rural landowners is also an essential aspect of community action. Rural landowners should be aware of the risks associated with bushfires and take steps to protect their properties. This may include clearing vegetation around their properties, creating firebreaks, and developing an evacuation plan for their livestock.

together to develop proactive approaches to bushfire safety, including community bushfire safety initiatives, emergency response and evacuation plans, and bushfire safety for farmers and rural landowners. By working together, communities can reduce the risk of bushfire damage and protect their neighbourhoods.

Call to action for property owners to protect their neighbourhoods from bushfires

As property owners, we have a responsibility to protect our homes and neighbourhoods from bushfires. With climate change causing longer and more intense fire seasons, it's essential that we take action now to prepare for the worst.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your property and community: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ environment/bushland-protection/ bushfire-management/

Sunshine Coast Council's bushfire management program helps to protect and maintain ecosystems in the coast's 7,700 hectares of council environment reserves.

1. Create a Bushfire Survival Plan: This plan should outline what you will do in the event of a bushfire, including evacuation procedures, communication with family and neighbours, and preparations for pets and livestock.

2. Maintain Your Property: Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris, trim trees and vegetation, and create fire breaks around your property.

3. Install Fire-Resistant Features: Consider installing fire-resistant roofing and siding, double-glazed windows, and ember-proof vents.

4. Join a Community Bushfire Safety Initiative: Work with your neighbours to create a community-wide plan that includes regular fire drills, communication protocols, and emergency response teams.

In conclusion, community action is crucial in bushfire safety. Property owners, community groups, and emergency responders can work

5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with fire alerts and warnings, and make sure you have a reliable source of information, such as a battery-powered radio or smartphone app.

6. Have an Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan: This plan should include a designated meeting place, a list of emergency contacts, and important documents and supplies that you'll need to take with you in the event of an evacuation.

7. Work with Local Emergency Services: Get to know your local fire department and other emergency responders, and find out what resources are available to you in the event of a bushfire.

For farmers and rural landowners, there are additional steps you can take to protect your property and livestock. This includes creating fireresistant paddocks, ensuring adequate water supply, and having a plan in place for relocation of livestock in the event of an emergency.

In conclusion, protecting your property and community from bushfires requires a combination of planning, preparation, and action. By taking these steps now, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of a bushfire and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Maleny Rural Fire Brigade can assist with information and advice. Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? id=100064737936946