❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding the Department of Environment and Conservation's prescribed burning program in the context of low rainfall and a predicted dry summer. The Minister provides an update on prescribed burning progress, fire management capacity, and preparedness for the upcoming bushfire season.
AnsweredQoN 768Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION — PRESCRIBED BURNING PROGRAM
My area has received some of the lowest rainfall on record from April to November 2010. Given the current prediction of a very dry summer, can the minister advise the house of the latest situation with the fire management operations of the south west forest region, including what level of prescribed burning has been completed across the state, and what assets the department will be deploying in the event of a major fire? Mr J.H.D. DAY
My area has received some of the lowest rainfall on record from April to November 2010. Given the current prediction of a very dry summer, can the minister advise the house of the latest situation with the fire management operations of the south west forest region, including what level of prescribed burning has been completed across the state, and what assets the department will be deploying in the event of a major fire? Mr J.H.D. DAY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. Like him, I represent a hills electorate where these issues are of very great importance to local residents. I am very happy to update the information available on fire management operations via the Department of Environment and Conservation. I think most members will be very well aware that many areas in the south west part of the state have this year experienced the driest winter on record, particularly in the main jarrah forest between Mundaring and Walpole and in the karri forests in the lower south west. One of the major fire behaviour indicators, the soil dryness index, is at unprecedented levels for this time of the year. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an annual target for prescribed burning in the south west forest region of 200 000 hectares. In the past financial year, 2009–10, a total of 212 017 hectares was completed in the south west forest region. It was the first time in five years that the target had been reached. The government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the department use every available opportunity to undertake the prescribed burning to reduce the fire hazard. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Mr J.H.D. DAY replied: I thank the member for the question. Like him, I represent a hills electorate where these issues are of very great importance to local residents. I am very happy to update the information available on fire management operations via the Department of Environment and Conservation. I think most members will be very well aware that many areas in the south west part of the state have this year experienced the driest winter on record, particularly in the main jarrah forest between Mundaring and Walpole and in the karri forests in the lower south west. One of the major fire behaviour indicators, the soil dryness index, is at unprecedented levels for this time of the year. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an annual target for prescribed burning in the south west forest region of 200 000 hectares. In the past financial year, 2009–10, a total of 212 017 hectares was completed in the south west forest region. It was the first time in five years that the target had been reached. The government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the department use every available opportunity to undertake the prescribed burning to reduce the fire hazard. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
I thank the member for the question. Like him, I represent a hills electorate where these issues are of very great importance to local residents. I am very happy to update the information available on fire management operations via the Department of Environment and Conservation. I think most members will be very well aware that many areas in the south west part of the state have this year experienced the driest winter on record, particularly in the main jarrah forest between Mundaring and Walpole and in the karri forests in the lower south west. One of the major fire behaviour indicators, the soil dryness index, is at unprecedented levels for this time of the year. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an annual target for prescribed burning in the south west forest region of 200 000 hectares. In the past financial year, 2009–10, a total of 212 017 hectares was completed in the south west forest region. It was the first time in five years that the target had been reached. The government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the department use every available opportunity to undertake the prescribed burning to reduce the fire hazard. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Mr J.H.D. DAY replied: I thank the member for the question. Like him, I represent a hills electorate where these issues are of very great importance to local residents. I am very happy to update the information available on fire management operations via the Department of Environment and Conservation. I think most members will be very well aware that many areas in the south west part of the state have this year experienced the driest winter on record, particularly in the main jarrah forest between Mundaring and Walpole and in the karri forests in the lower south west. One of the major fire behaviour indicators, the soil dryness index, is at unprecedented levels for this time of the year. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an annual target for prescribed burning in the south west forest region of 200 000 hectares. In the past financial year, 2009–10, a total of 212 017 hectares was completed in the south west forest region. It was the first time in five years that the target had been reached. The government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the department use every available opportunity to undertake the prescribed burning to reduce the fire hazard. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
I thank the member for the question. Like him, I represent a hills electorate where these issues are of very great importance to local residents. I am very happy to update the information available on fire management operations via the Department of Environment and Conservation. I think most members will be very well aware that many areas in the south west part of the state have this year experienced the driest winter on record, particularly in the main jarrah forest between Mundaring and Walpole and in the karri forests in the lower south west. One of the major fire behaviour indicators, the soil dryness index, is at unprecedented levels for this time of the year. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an annual target for prescribed burning in the south west forest region of 200 000 hectares. In the past financial year, 2009–10, a total of 212 017 hectares was completed in the south west forest region. It was the first time in five years that the target had been reached. The government has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the department use every available opportunity to undertake the prescribed burning to reduce the fire hazard. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : I will come to the issue I think the member is raising in a while if she is patient. Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Prescribed burning has a very important role to play in reducing the risk to lives and property in Western Australia, and has done for many years. It is the case though that unfortunately this year, with the record low rainfall we have experienced, there has been a substantial impact on DEC’s spring burning program with the window of opportunity for safety in undertaking prescribed burns being very much reduced. This financial year, up to 12 November, DEC has commenced or completed 68 prescribed burns in the forest areas between Yanchep and Denmark, an approximate total of 52 400 hectares. This compares with the same period last year when prescribed burning was applied to 81 300 hectares. Additionally, almost a further 70 000 hectares have been burnt in remote areas outside the south west in the current financial year to date. The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to use every opportunity as opportunities arise to continue hazard-reduction burning in the south west part of the state. Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Another important issue in DEC’s fire management operations is the review of the department’s capacity to manage large bush fires. Following the coroner’s report on the inquest into the Boorabbin bushfire tragedy that occurred in December 2007, the government appointed Mr Euan Ferguson, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, to undertake a review in line with the coroner’s recommendation. His report was released on 29 September this year and copies are available on DEC’s website. The primary finding was that DEC has a sound capability and capacity for managing fire on the state’s 25 million hectares of conservation lands. He also found the specialist skills within DEC were “‘best in class’ nationally and internationally” but made 17 observations where DEC could improve its systems, and these are being implemented. Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
Finally, like other agencies and the volunteer fire brigades, DEC is preparing for what is likely to be a very challenging bushfire season. On a financial year basis at 12 November last year, DEC had responded to 45 bushfires in the south west forest regions. At the same time this year the figure is almost exactly double at 99. We saw DEC respond in an effective manner, I believe, to the major fire in John Forrest National Park on 3 November. The department has conducted preseason briefings with its regional and district fire duty officers and other staff involved in fire management. Given the dryness of the season, half the fixed-wing water bombers that DEC manages were introduced into Bunbury and Jandakot on 2 November, some six weeks earlier than usual. As well, the department has brought forward the appointment of additional seasonal employees, who will be involved in bushfire suppression and fire management operations. As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
As I think we all understand, this season is exceptionally dry far sooner than at the same time in previous years, and I very much urge all landowners and managers, private and public alike, to share the responsibility of mitigating the impact of inevitable summer bushfires.
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