Federal funds a welcome boost for bushfire mitigation efforts

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to protecting lives and property in Tasmania from the risk of bushfires.

That’s why we are investing a record $28.5 million in the most comprehensive fuel reduction program in the State’s history.

Today, I welcome the Australian Government’s continuing support for bushfire mitigation efforts, demonstrated by a $1.3 million commitment to Tasmania under its $15 million National Bushfire Mitigation Program.

Delivered over three years, the majority of the funding will be used for grants aimed at supporting projects that are additional to our fuel reduction program and that improve community safety.

The Tasmanian Bushfire Mitigation Grants Program is administered by the State Emergency Service, and is already providing assistance.

I am pleased to announce the awarding of the first round of grants under the program to Cradle Coast NRM, the Antarctic Climate Ecosystems CRC, and the University of Tasmania.

All three projects share the common purpose of mitigating bushfire risk in Tasmania through research, training and community engagement.

A second round of grants will be open for applications from tomorrow, with more information available on the SES website: www.ses.tas.gov.au/h/em/funding/tbgmp

Organisations eligible to apply for funding under the program are State Government agencies, local councils, non-profit organisations and universities and other research institutions.

Projects are funded on a cost-sharing basis, with the grant contributing to up to 50 per cent of the cost, which means we are leveraging more value from this funding.

Aside from the grants program, some of the federal funding has been allocated as Tasmania’s contribution to a National Fuel Classification project, an essential part of developing a national fire danger rating system that all states are supporting.

Our fuel reduction program, meanwhile, is already making a significant contribution to the effort to reduce bushfire risk.

A total of 28,419 hectares was burnt last season – a nearly 40 per cent increase on the 17,800 hectares burnt off in 2013-14.

Our program is aimed at reducing the risk of bushfires and it is working.

Tasmanians well know the dangers of bushfires and how devastating they can be for communities across the State.

The Liberal Government takes the risk very seriously, and we will continue to work hard to deliver our fuel reduction program.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management