Response to Question Without Notice, provided 28 April, 2023 and to be read into Hansard when sitting resumes.

With regard to the heightened risk of bush fires, particularly on the West Coast where conditions are very dry:

1. Why have no ‘fire breaks’ been put in place around West Coast towns;

2. When will the creation of firebreaks around major townships/settlement areas on the West Coast;

3. How many fire abatement notices have been issued to relevant Government departments by West Coast Council to reduce the risk of fire to the West Coast, particularly in areas of settlement; and

4. What specific resources/measures are available to address fires on the West Coast, particularly in the remote areas and in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Areas?

ANSWER:

Question 1:
21 settlement areas on the West Coast have fire breaks around them.

Where there are no fire breaks, often other strategies have been implemented including strategic fuel reduction burns.

In 2021, there were nine strategic burns in the West Coast area, and in 2022, there were 22 strategic burns, to keep communities safe.

There are multiple burns planned for West Coast towns in Autumn 2023, including two near Zeehan and one near Strahan, with more being planned.

Question 2:

The West Coast Fire Management Area Committee consider future fire breaks as part of their Bushfire Management Plan. New fire breaks are considered where there is an identified strategic benefit.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service intends to treat the firebreaks around Zeehan by Winter 2023.

Question 3:
This is a matter for the West Coast Council.

Question 4:
Initial resources for fire management on the West Coast include local Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) brigades, Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) staff and Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) staff.

These are augmented with TFS Strike Teams, Task Forces and Bushfire Mitigation crews, PWS Fire Crews and STT Fire Crews, which are pre deployed during forecast elevated fire conditions or to undertake mitigation works and activities.

A satellite-based fire detection system, a lightning strike detection system, and regular aerial surveillance patrols together with fires reported by the community are used to identify fires.

The fire agencies also use specific detection flights to investigate lightning strikes and other possible ignitions.

Rapid response using both aerial water bombing and ground resources are used to minimise the growth of all new ignitions.

Fire crews are highly trained to work in remote areas away from roads and fire appliances and use helicopters to deliver these crews rapidly and directly to going fires.

Additionally, through Fuel Reduction Program funding, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service deliver fuel management activities within the TWWHA.