Closure of Council buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas - Tuesday 17 February 2026
Due to the Extreme Fire Danger rating declared for Tuesday 17 February 2026, Cardinia Shire is implementing heat health and emergency management precautions.
All Council owned or managed facilities or services within the Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) will be closed on Tuesday 17 February. This includes all community centres, halls, maternal child health (MCH) sites, sporting facilities and specific early years centres including:
- Avonsleigh Preschool
- Bayles Kindergarten
- Cockatoo Kindergarten
- Cockatoo Community Child Care
- Emerald Preschool
- Gembrook Preschool
- Hollins Children’s Centre
- Upper Beaconsfield McBride Rd Kindergarten
- Upper Beaconsfield Kindergarten (Stoney Creek Rd)
Impacted MCH services will be rescheduled or relocated to alternative locations, including home visits.
Local schools may be required to close or be relocated in line with the Department of Education fire risk policy. These decisions are made by the Department and Council does not determine or influence school or early learning service closures. For more information on all school closures and relocations, visit the Department of Education website.
Additionally, Emerald Lake Precinct (Emerald Lake Park and Nobelius Heritage Park) will be completely closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Closure signage will be displayed at all entrances. Parks are expected to reopen on Wednesday morning, subject to safe conditions.
To check if you’re in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA), go to the Community Compass tool.
All facilities and services will resume when conditions are predicted to improve.
Stay informed:
- Download the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone.
- Learn more at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
Heat safety tips:
For advice on staying safe during extreme heat, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/heatwave