• ​New State Bushfire Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting today
  • The Council will provide advice to the State Government on bushfire management
  • Diverse membership ensures all peak bodies involved in bushfire management have a say in shaping the State’s future bushfire strategy

A new advisory body has been established to improve bushfire management in Western Australia drawing on knowledge and skills from a range of sectors in order to guide the development of future strategies.

The State Bushfire Advisory Council met for the first time today – bringing the expertise of public agencies, private industry, volunteers, community organisations and local governments together to provide insight into the varying aspects of managing major incidents.

The group will be responsible for providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister for Emergency Services and Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner.

The Council includes two community representatives who are involved in bushfire management through volunteering, community engagement and local government.

It is one of several State Government bushfire management reforms including the establishment of a Rural Fire Division, the Bushfire Centre of Excellence and the mitigation funding support available for local governments to identify and treat their bushfire risks.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

“Bushfires are increasing in size and intensity so managing these incidents is becoming much more complex and an increasing number of stakeholders are being involved.

“Western Australia has never had such a wide-ranging body with the capacity to explore every aspect of bushfire management, and this Council will give our State an unprecedented level of collaboration among the agencies involved.

“The strategic advice from this Council will be critical to continually improving our bushfire response, particularly in the face of a changing climate and complex new challenges.

“This is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and look at how we can continue to work together to create a safer State.”

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/03/Council-heralds-new-approach-to-bushfire-management-in-WA.aspx