State Bushfire Mitigation

We are currently advancing the first phase of building our bushfire mitigation capability by procuring new machinery, recruiting machine operators and Indigenous crew members. Mitigation Teams will undertake a diverse range of mitigation treatments, including forestry mulching, slashing, chemical works, and planned burns. Managing and conducting these activities internally will provide multiple benefits, most notably increasing the volume and efficiency of treatments, thereby reducing risk to the community.

We are responsible for overall coordination of the state-wide initiative and support Operations Command and local governments to develop and implement tenure blind Bushfire Risk Mitigation Plans to reduce bushfire risk within their local community.

Supports local governments in reducing bushfire hazards on State-owned land that is managed by local government which pose a high or greater risk to assets managed by local governments. Local governments with an endorsed BRM Plan can apply for funding annually or through a three-year program to ensure bushfire risks are managed.

The State Bushfire Mitigation Team is responsible for the management of vegetation on Unallocated Crown Land and Unmanaged Reserves within the Perth metropolitan area and all gazetted WA townsites. This position plays a key role in reducing the risk and impact of bushfires on communities.

State Bushfire Mitigation collaborate with the Department of Justice (DoJ) for works to be carried out by Section 95 prison teams (Prisoners Act 1981), supporting both community safety and prisoner rehabilitation.

• Prisoner wellbeing and rehabilitation program undertake a variety of mitigation works including mechanical and chemical on UCL/ UMR parcels of land
• Currently Karnet, Wooroloo, Greenough, Dowerin, Bunbury, Pardelup Prison Farms are involved.

DFES and DoE work together to proactively manage the bushfire risk on public school sites across Western Australia. The main objectives are:

• Ensure effective preparation for the threat of bushfire near school sites
• Propose mitigation activities for at risk schools, including fuel management, building improvements and Bushfire Plans
• Work collectively to assist with school fire drills and preparedness activities.