Cook Labor Government commitment to reduce bushfire risk across WA

• New State Bushfire Mitigation Branch (SBMB) to focus on fire prevention and mitigation
• Branch to be supported by new Aboriginal Ranger Program
• Commitment builds on WA Labor's strong record of investment in community fire safety

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will establish a dedicated State Bushfire Mitigation Branch (SBMB), to reduce bushfire risk across WA and keep fire prone communities safe during the high threat season.

Announced today by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson, the dedicated crew will undertake mitigation works on unallocated Crown land, unmanaged reserves and other land that is not the responsibility of private landowners or other agencies.

In addition, they will help Local Governments to manage the risk on road verges and provide support during major bushfire incidents.

The Branch will be supported by a new Aboriginal Ranger Program, bringing more Indigenous knowledge into this key area of emergency services. In total, the SBMB will be staffed by 14 full time workers, including six Aboriginal rangers.

Today’s commitment builds on the Cook Labor Government’s proven track record of supporting WA’s emergency services.

The most recent State Budget included funding for an additional 60 career firefighters, the biggest expansion in more than 50 years, plus additional investment in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:

“Only the Cook Labor Government will invest in the best possible facilities, resources and equipment to keep Western Australians safe."

“More than 90% of our State is bushfire prone, and as our bushfire season gets longer and harsher, mitigation is becoming increasingly important for communities across WA."

“Today’s WA Labor announcement of a dedicated State Bushfire Mitigation Branch and new Aboriginal Ranger Program is about stopping fires before they happen and supporting our firefighters on the front line.”