Grant to help reduce impact of bushfires in Mandurah

Wednesday, 24 August 2022 09:04

By Monique Welhan

A recent prescribed burn at Caddadup Reserve in Mandurah’s south. PIC: City of Mandurah

The City of Mandurah has received a boost to its annual fire prevention program, with a range of works being carried out at a number of local reserves to help reduce the impact of bushfires.

The City recently received a $45,000 grant from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) Rural Fire Division’s Mitigation Activity Fund, which will be used for works at Tim’s Thicket, Island Point, Warrangup Springs and Caddadup reserve.

The works will include improving access for fire appliances, installing fencing to reduce unauthorised access to environmentally sensitive areas, and a number of other mitigation treatments.

City of Mandurah Chief Executive Officer Mark Newman said the City had been granted $714,000 through DFES’ Mitigation Activity Fund since 2019/2020, which bolstered the City’s efforts in preventing and reducing the effect of bushfires in the local area.

“The City actively works to reduce the risks of bushfire in the community, and we’re guided by our Bushfire Risk Management Plan,” Mr Newman said.

“We’ve been working alongside DFES for a number of years to identify social, environmental and economic assets that may be at risk of bushfire, and the additional funding we receive has been invaluable to undertake on-the-ground bushfire mitigation works.

“Bushfire safety and reducing the impacts of fires in Mandurah is a shared responsibility and something that we all need to be aware of. We encourage all landowners to undertake their own preparations well before summer.”

Throughout the year, the City undertakes a number of preventative measures to help prepare for bushfires, including hazard reductions burns, fire management plans, vegetation management strategies, fire breaks and community education and enforcement.

These measures reduce the risk to life and property without negatively impacting the natural environment.

All landowners must ensure their properties are well prepared for fire season, with requirements to be in place from November 17 each year, and maintained until the end of the following May.

To create or review your bushfire plan go to mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au or download the app.

For further information contact emergencymanagement@mandurah.wa.gov.au or phone 9550 3777.

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