Question - Tasmania Fire Service Regional & Rural Fire Plans

Tuesday 28 March 2023

Ms ARMITAGE question to DEPUTY LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms PALMER

[2.50 p.m.]

Regarding the area encompassing Devon Hills, Gibbet Hill and Range Road, could the Deputy Leader please advise:

(1)     If the Government and or Tasmania Fire Service could, as a matter of urgency, prepare a fire plan for this area;

(2)     whether there are other regional and rural areas of the state which do not have formal fire plans in place?  If so, could they please be listed; and

(3)     what is the Government doing to ensure that all rural and regional areas across Tasmania have adequate fire plans and preparedness for the next fire season?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for her question.

(1)     The Devon Hills, Gibbet Hill and Range Road areas are within the planning area of the Tamar Fire Management Area Committee (FMAC).  The Tamar FMAC has a bushfire protection plan.

(2)     There are currently 10 Fire Management Areas (FMAs) in Tasmania, established in accordance with the Fire Service Act of 1979, with boundaries based on bushfire risk and topography, largely aligning to local government boundaries.  Each FMA has a fire protection plan known as the Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BRMP) for their FMA.  These plans aim to coordinate and influence the treatment of strategic bushfire risk in each of the FMAs.

(3)     As outlined, all areas of Tasmania are managed by an FMA.  Each FMA has a BRMP.  In addition, the TFS runs a range of community education programs and resources.  This includes the Bushfire Ready Neighbourhoods Program, with information sessions and workshops to prepare the community for bushfires.  Through this program, the community can complete a five-minute bushfire plan.  The program helps members of the community to prepare their homes for the threat of bushfires.

          The Tasmanian Government has also invested in the Red Hot Tips Program to empower rural landholders with the skills and support to manage bushfire risk on their own land, and the $9 million per annum Tasmanian Fuel Reduction Program to strategically reduce fuel loads around Tasmania.

          The TFS promotes bush fire readiness and these programs through the media, TV, social media and press, and local promotional opportunities such as community events.