Question On Notice No. 2542 asked in the Legislative Council on 26 September 2019 by Hon Tim Clifford
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Emergency Services
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to recent works done by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to create a fire break at the Wildflower Walk near Quinlan St, Wongan Hills, and I ask:
(a) what consideration was given to how the works would impact on wildflowers growing in the area;
(b) what steps were taken to find an alternative location for the fire break to avoid the destruction of wildflowers; and
(c) was the Shire of Wongan Hills consulted before the works were undertaken?
Answered on 31 October 2019
Hazard reduction is a key component of bushfire risk management and is critical in reducing the impact of bushfire on communities. DFES works closely with local governments, State agencies, local communities and other stakeholders to identify and manage the risk of bushfires.
(a) All mitigation work considers the environmental impact on local flora and fauna. Only work that is essential to reduce risk is carried out. The methods selected consider how best future generation of the native flora germinate while minimising the risk of evasive weeds.
(b) The works undertaken were on existing firebreaks. Existing firebreaks were upgraded to allow the safe passage of a fire appliance. A low fuel mulched buffer was also provided at either side.
(c) The Shire of Wongan-Ballidu were consulted throughout the process together with the local Bushfire Advisory Committee.