The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commissioners have made their recommendations following the Black Saturday inquiry, including changes to the 'stay or go' policy.
The report found that the cost of the devastating bushfires, which hit Victoria at the start of 2008, topped $4bn.
Key among the recommendations was the need to restrict development in high bushfire risk areas.
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Chair Bernard Teague said that Victorians needed to understand the hidden dangers associated with the Australian bushland.
He said: “The bush can turn nasty and become very dangerous if one isn't aware of potential risks.”
Teague talked of gathering as many statements and photographs as possible during the commission's investigation, saying “they were incredibly heart-wrenching”.
He added that “everyone needs to have plan a, plan b, plan c, different circumstances will dictate difference response… clearly go if there's any real danger,” saying that warnings are the most important element in ensuring safety.
Commissioner Susan Pascoe said that listening to stories of survivors had been a privilege, highlighting the particular importance of giving consideration to needs of vulnerable people and the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their safety in conjunction with authorities.
Commissioner Ron McLeod said it he realistic proposals to make Victoria safer with consideration of budget available.
He recommended that overhead power lines, which were an aging infrastructure, should run underground.
McLeod also highlighted the human dimension of the tragedy. He said the victims who spoke to the commission daily during its investigation, stopped the inquiry from simply being weighed down by technical detail.
