Several South West shires in Western Australia are poised to receive funding from a recent bushfire mitigation activity fund, with the State allocating over $5.1 million to enhance preparations for the upcoming bushfire season. This year, 41 local governments will benefit from this funding, enabling 752 bushfire mitigation treatments on State-owned land. Since taking office in 2017, the government has committed a total of $74.9 million to 83 local governments, facilitating 10,241 mitigation treatment burns. Specific allocations include $183,077 for 20 burns in the Shire of Harvey, $88,629 for two burns in the City of Bunbury, and $319,964 for 98 burns in the City of Busselton, among others. Emergency Services Minister David Michael noted that over the past year, more than 5,100 bushfires have occurred across WA, affecting roughly 7.5 million hectares, underscoring the importance of these mitigation efforts.
Why It Matters
Over 93% of Western Australia is considered bushfire prone, making effective mitigation critical for protecting lives, homes, and businesses. The increase in bushfire incidents, with over 5,100 fires reported in the last year, highlights the urgency of these funding initiatives. Historical data shows that government investment in bushfire mitigation has grown significantly since 2017, reflecting a concerted effort to manage fire risks through local government partnerships. These mitigation treatments are essential for reducing the scale of bushfires and enhancing the capacity of firefighters to respond to incidents effectively.
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