City of Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River Shire share nearly $1m in bushfire risk mitigation funding

Capes local governments have received $1 million from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for crucial bushfire fuel reduction programs. The City of Busselton has received $500,000 to carry out 25 treatments and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River $499,000 for 33 controlled burns. The money is part of ongoing efforts to reduce summer bushfire risks, with the funding going to key projects carried out mostly by volunteer firefighters. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said carrying out the work during cooler months was crucial to reducing the risks faced in the region every summer and was “essential to help prevent the loss of life and property when a catastrophic blaze may break out”. “It is imperative that local governments continue to be supported in their efforts to protect their communities by reducing bushfire risks,” Mr Dawson said. “The program has proven to be a highly effective tool in boosting the number of bushfire mitigation activities being carried out each year and it is very encouraging to see more local governments apply for this funding for the first time.” The funding was part of a $5 million allocation to fire-prone communities. Busselton planning and development services acting director Lee Reddell said the city had a list of projects ready to go. “The funding will contribute to the delivery of a range of fire-mitigation programmed treatments,” Ms Reddell said. “Reducing fuel loads, hazard reduction burns, firebreak installation and upgrades to emergency access ways are some of the treatments that will be applied across areas of Quedjinup, Yallingup, Naturaliste, Dunsborough, Siesta Park, Quindalup, Ambergate, Anniebrook and West Busselton.” The Augusta-Margaret River Shire did not respond to inquiries before deadline.