A Rural Fire Service (RFS) grant of $164,000 will help Council clear vegetation near property and critical assets to reduce the threat caused by bushfires in the Shoalhaven.
Under the Bush Fire Risk Mitigation and Resilience Support Program, the grant will supplement Council’s management of Asset Protection Zones (APZs) which provide a buffer between a bush fire hazard, such as scrub and grass, and homes.
Mayor Patricia White said there were more than 200 APZs across the Shoalhaven where private residences and communities bordered Council owned or managed land.
“I’m grateful to the RFS for their generous contribution which will help boost our annual program and go a long way towards protecting the Shoalhaven from bush fires,” Cr White said.
“We know the Shoalhaven area has on average 600 bush fires per year so everything we can do to mitigate the risk of fire contributes to the safety and wellbeing of our community,” she said.
“We took a lot of lessons away from the Currowan Fires and we know that disaster preparedness and our continued collaboration with the RFS is key to keeping our region safe and resilient.”
RFS District Manager, Superintendent Matthew Reeves said the management of APZs was critical to reducing the impact of bush and grass fires on communities and improving access for firefighters when attempting to defend properties on the bush/urban interface.
“The bush fire grants program assists public land managers, like Shoalhaven City Council to maintain compliance of APZs through the reduction of bush fire fuels, making homes and buildings more defendable,” Supt Reeves said.
“After years of consistent rain vegetation is accumulating, so no one can be complacent. Council, businesses, residents and visitors all play a role in preparing property and planning for an emergency,” he said.
“This is also a timely reminder that we’re now officially in the bush fire danger period and permits and notifications are required to carry out private burns.”
Residents are reminded to remove any encroachments on council owned or managed land such as unauthorised garden beds, structures, garden furniture, or vehicles such as caravans or boat trailers. These items restrict maintenance efforts, can prevent emergency services from safely accessing the area and reduce the effectiveness of asset protection zones by adding more fuel near homes.
