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Client: Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment – Land and Fire Management

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) manages fire on Victoria's 7.6 million hectares of public land, or roughly one third of the State. Within DSE, the Land and Fire Management business leads the provision of support and authoritative advice on the prevention and suppression of wildfire, and use of planned fire to reduce wildfire and maintain and improve biodiversity.

DSE Fire Management recognises that community empowerment is essential for effective emergency management and improved natural resource management. Many fire prone communities in Victoria are separated by great distances preventing them from effectively sharing fire knowledge and experiences. DSE is exploring ways to support members of the community to come together in a Fire Learning Network to learn from one another about land and fire management issues.

Spatial Vision was contracted to investigate and report on ways in which web-based tools could assist people to share knowledge, develop relationships between peers and contribute to DSE adaptive management strategies.

Together, Spatial Vision and DSE explored a range of new  web technologies including Web 2.0 collaborative websites, spatial and sensor web applications. This investigation identified how the web can be used to help people to find and create virtual communities with other people with common interests. These virtual spaces could allow people to share knowledge about local consequences of wildfire and planned fire. It was envisioned that in these forums participants could contribute to discussions about things such as risk mitigation, fire and biodiversity management, and community recovery after fire. People could relate their ideas and knowledge to locations and record information that may be used across time.

The investigation highlighted how user-driven web-based platforms provide exciting opportunities to support and expand the fire learning network. 

Demonstrated Capabilities

• ArcGIS Server Web AD Understanding of web technologies and application to communities
• Engaging consultation processes
• High quality report writing and presentation
• Working in collaboration with client

Resources

Graeme Martin led the consultancy for Spatial Vision.