Fire mitigation activities boosted by $500k grant

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been awarded nearly $500,000 through a State Government Mitigation Activity Fund grant for bushfire risk reduction.

The State Government funding, which was announced earlier this week, will be used to complete a combination of mechanical fuel reduction works and hazard reduction burns in and around the Shire’s townsites and hamlets.

Shire Community Emergency Services Manager Adam Jasper said the grants are issued annually, but this is the most our local government has ever received.

“We are a small local government with a large land area to manage, the majority of which has been declared a bushfire prone,” he said.

“We can’t get to all of it so it’s always a delicate exercise to strategically determine what we are targeting each year.”

“This funding boost means we can extend our efforts that little bit further.”

Mr Jasper said soggy winter conditions will likely hamper any immediate efforts for bushfire mitigation, but planning was well underway to ensure works can commence when conditions are right.

“All of this winter rain is going to mean a lot of green come springtime,” he said.

“As summer dries that growth it all becomes potential fuel load so we know we are in for a busy year ahead.

“We planning our activities in the coming weeks and are suggesting property owners do the same.

“By even writing or reviewing your bushfire plans now, you can free up time for property preparedness activities closer to September.”

The Shire’s funds were secured from a $7.5m fire risk reduction funding pool.

Full details are available at

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/07/Local-governments-share-record-7-point-5-million-dollars-to-reduce-bushfire-risk.aspx