VOLUNTEER BUSH FIRE
BRIGADES — MERGER
1223. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to the apparent push by the
City of Busselton to force the merger of the Yallingup Coastal Volunteer Bush
Fire Brigade and the Dunsborough Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
(1) Does the City of Busselton have
the power and authority to force the merger of these two brigades?
(2) If yes to (1), under what
legislation or regulation does that authority come?
(3) Does the government support the
forced merger of these brigades?
(4) Does the government support the
forced merger of any volunteer brigades in the state?
(5) If yes to (4), which ones?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON
replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) Yes.
(2) Local
government is responsible for establishing, maintaining and equipping bush fire
brigades, and has the power to cancel the registration of bush fire brigades
under the Bush Fires Act 1954. Section 41(1) provides —
For the purpose of
carrying out normal brigade activities a local government may, in accordance
with its local laws made for the purpose, establish and maintain one or more
bush fire brigades and may, in accordance with those local laws, equip each
bush fire brigade so established with appliances, equipment and apparatus.
Section 41(3) provides —
A local government may
at any time cancel the registration of a bush fire brigade.
(3)–(5)
The establishment or cancellation of a bush fire brigade is the decision of
local government; however, the state government and the Department of Fire and
Emergency Services expect all local governments to consult meaningfully and
work closely with their emergency response units for the protection of life and
property and the wellbeing of the general community. DFES will always provide
advice and work collaboratively with any local government, bush fire brigade or
key stakeholders as required, particularly when it involves bushfire response coverage
or the location of facilities.