Mrs Powell said it was not good enough the Victorian government was providing only $7,000 for each council to identify, build and maintain the safer places.

``Latest figures from the Municipal Association of Victoria show that just 22 NSPs have been selected across the 52 high risk bushfire communities,'' Mrs Powell said.

``This is in complete contrast to New South Wales, where more than 300 Neighbourhood Safer Places have been established since September.

``For councils in Victoria which have now identified NSPS, $7,000 is not enough money for them to meet their obligations.''

Mrs Powell said this was yet another case of State Labor cost-shifting onto local government without providing adequate support for councils to carry out a huge task.

``The handballing of responsibility for NSPs comes after John Brumby agreed to implement fully the interim recommendations of the Bushfires Royal Commission, including responsibilities relating to NSPs,'' Mrs Powell said.

``Instead, the government passed legislation which now specifically places responsibility for Neighbourhood Safer Places onto local councils.

``Unless the state government provides local councils with more funding it's going to be the ratepayers of these municipalities who have to wear the cost.''