❓ Question regarding the response to the Ravensthorpe bushfire, specifically DBCA resource allocation and the lack of initial response from Walpole DBCA. The Minister acknowledges the tragedy and outlines DBCA's support under DFES management.
AnsweredQoN 1170Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Ravensthorpe bushfire
1170. Hon Jess Beckerling to the Minister for the
Environment:
I refer to the
out-of-control bushfire in the West River area near Ravensthorpe and the tragic
report that a farmer has died while operating a front-end loader to defend his
property, as well as the multiple distressed calls I have had from the
community.
(1) How many fire trucks and how much heavy plant
equipment had been sent to the area to assist with fire suppression by
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Walpole, Albany and
Esperance as at 5:00 pm on 1 December 2025, and can the minister please provide
a breakdown of units provided by each DBCA depot?
(2) If no units had been provided by Walpole DBCA,
the prime fire suppression body in the South West, why did the office not
initiate a response and send equipment?
1170. Hon Jess Beckerling to the Minister for the
Environment:
I refer to the
out-of-control bushfire in the West River area near Ravensthorpe and the tragic
report that a farmer has died while operating a front-end loader to defend his
property, as well as the multiple distressed calls I have had from the
community.
(1) How many fire trucks and how much heavy plant
equipment had been sent to the area to assist with fire suppression by
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Walpole, Albany and
Esperance as at 5:00 pm on 1 December 2025, and can the minister please provide
a breakdown of units provided by each DBCA depot?
(2) If no units had been provided by Walpole DBCA,
the prime fire suppression body in the South West, why did the office not
initiate a response and send equipment?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice of the question.
I wish to first acknowledge
the tragic and sad death of a farmer who was responding to a bushfire on Monday
1 December. I pass my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues
and the broader community. This is a sombre reminder of the risks of bushfires and
their impact on our communities. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all
individuals who are currently responding to and supporting bushfire suppression
efforts at West River and the fires in Geraldton.
(1)–(2) The bushfire at West River, which
is part of the Great Southern district, is being managed by the Department of
Fire and Emergency Services. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions has been providing staff and resources as a priority to support the
response efforts since the fire commenced.
for some notice of the question.
I wish to first acknowledge
the tragic and sad death of a farmer who was responding to a bushfire on Monday
1 December. I pass my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues
and the broader community. This is a sombre reminder of the risks of bushfires and
their impact on our communities. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all
individuals who are currently responding to and supporting bushfire suppression
efforts at West River and the fires in Geraldton.
(1)–(2) The bushfire at West River, which
is part of the Great Southern district, is being managed by the Department of
Fire and Emergency Services. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions has been providing staff and resources as a priority to support the
response efforts since the fire commenced.
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