Introduction
- It sounded like a good idea, helping to
- reduce the fuel load in the immediate vicinity
- build the community
- getting the job done more efficiency
- have a bit of fun – and an excuse for a party at the end of the labours
- But the suggestion posed some problems
- how do we decide who gets the help?
- how do we get sufficient momentum to make it happen and make it sustainable?
- how do you make it as fair as possible for those that are involved?
- what is in it for me as an individual?
- what if my block is clear already? Chris and I have spent about 20 hours recently doing a major clear-up
Proposed Approach
Who?
I am aware of two households changing in the next month. How about we welcome the new residents with an offer to help them clear/rake their blocks? It would certainly assist in getting them integrated as quickly as possible.
Others could also ask for help from the group in clearing/raking as required.
Accounting and Repayment?
In my opinion, a Rakeathon would work if organised between a handful of adjoining blocks but would fail if we attempted to instigate it across the whole of our fireguard group, given that it would take a great deal of altruism. However, maybe there is a way that we can do this in a way which is both equitable and fair?
I was looking for a method similar to ‘baby-sitting circles’ and came across the LETS scheme which provides a standard accounting method which has been implemented in thousands of locations globally. Did you know there are LETS schemes working in our area? In Diamond Valley and in Warranwood both of these schemes require a joining fee and an annual membership.
We could join into one of these schemes, opening a host of services for us to access, or we can create our own local scheme focus sing on our very local community. Since, the web based accounting system necessary to manage one of these schemes is freely available through the Community Exchange Program we could set one up for our area and not require people to pay fees.
I feel the LETS approach resolves the problems listed above:
- Anyone can ask for help at any time – the request is met as soon as a number of people agree to do the work
- By exchanging alternative services it creates a momentum – you can trade your points for anything that is available in the group eg. babysitting, animal care etc. it doesn’t have to be raking
- The work you do for ‘the community’ is recognised by the community and you can ask for repayment in many forms
Response from Chris (#16)
For a LETs Scheme
Would like:
1) Have about 1/2acre of bark etc to be raked up for a bonfire
2) Large fallen branch needs to be sawn into logs for the house fire
Is offering:
1) Pressure washer – 130bar 1800watt – wash car/caravan/boat/windows
2) 24 indoor door handles (wooden lever type)
3) 50-100 small plastic flower pots
Response from Glennys (#17)
Re: Rakeathon
As far as the Rakeathon goes, we organise the raking and clearing up etc., on our own property as best we can (it is a learning curve, I still haven’t quite been brave enough to burn off but that’s coming!) but we would certainly be happy to assist anyone else who for whatever reason would find raking up their land difficult. The new neighbours #19 will be in by end July and #21 will be in by end August so we could certainly help out there if need be.
Re: Other thoughts
Just another thought re Fireguard group. I spoke with a few neighbours after those dreadful days last summer who said they felt really alone on those 40 degree plus days as people bunkered down in their homes. A telephone tree I think could be quite helpful, not in terms of alerting to danger (that seems somewhat dangerous in itself!) but rather so neighbours can check on each other on those days to see if they need help of any kind or in fact just to make connection to help alleviate that sense of aloneness. Or, to let people know that they have left for the day, days, weeks of threatening weather.
Also, people might need help to evacuate kids, dogs, cats etc., especially if they are alone and could be encouraged to make contact, ask for help if they need it, if they have made the decision to leave for the day (quite by accident I came across a situation like this last summer). A reminder to have all they would need on hand before summer, cat containers, dog leads etc.
From Meegan & Peter (#10)
Re: Rakeathon
“Yes, Peter and I think the rakeathon is a good idea, but like you we have spent a lot of time clearing our own block already.” Meegan agrees that to help the new neighbours would be a good way to introduce them. She also recognises the need to help those in the street who are not so mobile or are living alone.
From Ian & Yvonne (#33):
Our place is in good shape at the moment – my father has been to visit and established a strangely fond relationship with the rake. That said, we will be happy to help out around the street. We also have a chipper that has been a godsend here – makes pretty good mulch out of all the rakings. Happy to provide that to the cause as well (although it would be heavy to push up the hill – sigh).
One issue that some of you may be aware of is that we live in an area with no less than three management overlays :- Environmental Significance Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay and a Wildfire Overlay. Land Services Victoria have an online facility to enable you to get details of the overlays for your property.
You should also have received the news letter from Nillumbik giving basic guidlines on allowable fuel reduction. However, because of our multiple and conflicting overlays we need to get specific guidance from the council planning office. They are willing to come out and talk to us about are plans. We can do this as individuals or on a group besis.
We did some major raking just after we moved in on February. Since then we haven’t done much, I imagine that by end September the whole block could do with a raking.
Ian and Yvonnes offer of a chipper is fantastic. A great way to reduce waste fast. Add some horse pooh to the chips and pile it in a fire hazard free corner, by next year there will be great pile of compost to use!
We are both keen on joining any rakeathons. There is a wild stretch of bush/scrub accross the road, opposite our block. It is a verge sort of area. It could do with a fuel reduction attack. Maybe something a rakeathon could tackle?
Cheers Esther and Frank