Supporting volunteer bushfire brigades top priority for The Nationals, Duncan
Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 17-August-2011
Member for Mining and Pastoral Wendy Duncan has flagged concerns that the Keelty Report into bushfire management in Western Australia may have serious implications for volunteer bushfire brigades and prescribed burning in regional parts of the State.
The report, currently with the Premier for review, was conducted by Mr Michael Keelty into the Perth Hills bushfires and will undoubtedly include recommendations to change the way bushfires are managed throughout the State.
“The Nationals WA welcome any review into the management of bushfires that has the potential to save lives,” Ms Duncan said.
“Any move to dilute the critical role played by our volunteer brigades will be met with strong opposition from The Nationals.
“Our volunteer bushfire brigades are an essential component of our fire defence strategy in WA and we need to ensure that there is no negative impact on them or the service that they provide.”
Ms Duncan pointed to one of the recommendations in the Ellis Report into the bushfires in Lake Clifton, Roleystone and Redhill which was to improve communication between all parties involved in bushfire response.
“Improved communication between the key stakeholders, including FESA, Local Government, the Department of Environment and Conservation and volunteers is critical,” Ms Duncan said.
“It is our view that this should not equate to removing or reducing the importance of volunteer bushfire brigades.
“We are also keen to see what the report has to say about prescribed burning, a critical
tool in bushfire management, particularly in regional Western Australia.”
