Key Takeaways
- The NSW government has completed only 11% of its hazard reduction burn targets, leaving the state at "catastrophic" risk this bushfire season
- The Rural Fire Service has cleared only 40,000 of 372,000 hectares of land since July 1
- The state’s unpreparedness has left an "unacceptably high" amount of flammable vegetation, increasing the risk of severe bushfires
- The government has attributed the slow progress to weather conditions and a large backlog of land that could not be burnt due to prolonged wet weather and flooding since 2021
- The Rural Fire Service is investing in education campaigns to help communities prepare for the bushfire season and encouraging property owners to take steps to prepare for the threat of fire
Introduction to the Bushfire Season Risks
The NSW government has been accused of leaving the state at "catastrophic" risk this bushfire season after completing only 11% of its hazard reduction burn targets. The Rural Fire Service has cleared only 40,000 of 372,000 hectares of land since July 1, sparking concerns about the state’s preparedness for the upcoming bushfire season. The Nationals Leader and Coffs Harbour MP, Gurmesh Singh, has criticized the government’s efforts, stating that the unpreparedness has left the state with an "unacceptably high" amount of flammable vegetation.
The Current State of Hazard Reduction
The government had set an "ambitious" goal for this financial year, aiming to clear 372,000 hectares of land, including a large backlog of land that could not be burnt due to prolonged wet weather and flooding since 2021. However, the progress has been slow, with the Rural Fire Service attributing the delay to weather conditions. Despite the challenges, the service has reported a 10,000-hectare increase in cleared land compared to the same time last year, which is seen as a "promising position to be in by this stage". The Rural Fire Service has emphasized that hazard reduction burns are complex and require careful planning, with only a handful of days each year suitable for controlled burns.
The Importance of Hazard Reduction
Gurmesh Singh has warned that the increased fuel loads and poorly maintained fire trails are dangerous, making it harder for communities to evacuate and more challenging for crews to gain access during times of emergency. The severe bushfire near Bulahdelah, which closed the Pacific Highway, is seen as a "sign of things to come" if the state does not take immediate action to address the issue. The Rural Fire Service has acknowledged the importance of hazard reduction, stating that it is a critical step in preparing for the bushfire season. However, the service has also emphasized that hazard reduction is only part of the solution, and that communities must take shared responsibility for preparing for the threat of fire.
Community Preparation and Education
The Rural Fire Service is investing in education campaigns to help communities prepare for the bushfire season. The service is encouraging property owners to take steps to prepare for the threat of fire, including keeping gutters clear, trimming overhanging branches, and having a bushfire survival plan in place. These critical steps can help reduce the risk of fire and minimize the impact of bushfires on communities. The service has also emphasized the importance of community preparedness, stating that "bushfire preparation is a shared responsibility" and that everyone must play a role in preparing for the threat of fire.
Previous Years’ Performance
In the 2024-25 financial year, the Rural Fire Service was only able to burn 100,936 hectares, which is just 27% of its hazard reduction target. The service typically undertakes nearly 60% of hazard reduction burning after the bushfire season in autumn, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce fuel loads and prepare for future bushfire seasons. The slow progress in completing hazard reduction targets has raised concerns about the state’s preparedness for the upcoming bushfire season, and the government has been accused of not doing enough to address the issue.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the NSW government’s slow progress in completing hazard reduction targets has left the state at "catastrophic" risk this bushfire season. The Rural Fire Service’s efforts have been hampered by weather conditions, but the service has emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce fuel loads and prepare for future bushfire seasons. The government and communities must work together to address the issue, with property owners taking steps to prepare for the threat of fire and the government investing in education campaigns and hazard reduction efforts. The upcoming bushfire season poses a significant risk to communities, and it is essential that everyone takes responsibility for preparing for the threat of fire.