IN response to the independent review of SA's summer bushfire season, the state government has allocated nearly $100 million of funding to the next fire danger season.
Today, a $49m action plan has been unveiled in addition to the $48.5m announced in July.
This means a total of $97.5m will be injected into the state's Emergency Services Sector and the Department for Environment and Water to equip the state with stronger resources in preparation for future catastrophic bushfire events.
Premier Steven Marshall said the comprehensive response was an integral part of creating a safer, stronger and more resilient SA.
"Last year's devastating bushfire season saw almost 279,000 hectares of land burnt, almost 68,000 livestock perished, and tragically, three lives lost," he said.
"In January, we asked highly-respected former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty to conduct an independent review, to look at what can be done to mitigate the impacts of bushfires on our communities into the future.
"We have responded swiftly to the review and have already begun implementing a number of immediate action items in preparation for the 2020-21 bushfire season."
A total of 68 findings and 15 recommendations were identified as part of the Independent Review and five key themes highlighted:
- Additional support and resources for volunteers, including extra staff and equipment;
- Better protection for critical assets;
- Enhanced communications and technology;
- Improved information before, during and after bushfires; and
- Improved mental health support for Emergency Services Sector.
Our Emergency Services staff and volunteers deserve the upmost respect for their extraordinary efforts to protect lives and property.
- VINCENT TARZIA
Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia said the government's response to the Keelty review was about protecting all South Australians and ensuring those risking their safety on the frontline were protected with the best technology and equipment available.
"The conditions that gripped the state in the 2019-20 bushfire season were some of the worst on record," he said.
"Blazes wreaked havoc in the Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, and the South East.
"Today we have committed an extra $11.95m to the Emergency Services Sector, while DEW will have a $37m boost.
"Our Emergency Services staff and volunteers deserve the upmost respect for their extraordinary efforts to protect lives and property.
"The state government's response outlines how we can support these groups, so that SA is better prepared for its next bushfire emergency."
The comprehensive action plan will also improve bushfire management planning and provide more support for the State Bushfire Coordination Committee.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said the $37m of new funding would allow the DEW to significantly increase hazard reduction across the state.
"We know prescribed burns play a critical role in helping reduce the risk of bushfires and providing safer access corridors for firefighters," he said.
"The report highlights the significant role the SA community has in undertaking risk reduction strategies on their own land.
"The extra $37m will allow us to undertake more hazard reduction across the state with the aim to increase our prescribed burns program by 50 per cent in the coming years.
"We will also provide further help to the community to understand their landscape risks and the options available to mitigate those risks."
The government has previously announced funding of $20.3m for new trucks and equipment for volunteers, enhanced communications and technology, and better protection for critical assets.
A further $16.7m in federal and state funding will be invested over five years for the SA Disaster Risk Reduction Grants Program.
The SA Metropolitan Fire Service will receive $11.5m for new urban appliances.
A progress report on the 69 action items will be delivered in September 2021.
- Details: safecom.sa.gov.au
