Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Bushfire preparedness

Tim BULL (Gippsland East) (13:16): As I stand here there are several townships in my electorate and indeed that of my colleague the member for Gippsland South under threat from fires. I believe it has just started raining on at least one of the firegrounds but hopefully all of them. I certainly encourage people at the moment to stay off the roads, listen to the VicEmergency services updates either on the app or the websites, and stay informed and stay vigilant. I just want to give a shout-out to all the firefighters who for the last couple of days have been going all night trying to address these fires and also to the businesses and the families who allow their workers and their loved ones to be released to fight the fires.

Last sitting week I stood in this chamber and spoke about the massive fuel loads we have building up in the bush and the fact that we are so vulnerable again; that is the major issue and the major cause of these fires. The fire triangle needs ignition, it needs oxygen and it needs fuel. The only one we can control is fuel, and that is what we need to address. I also want to just quickly mention – and I am very pleased – that emergency relief centres have been opened in Sale and Lucknow. Possibly within 24 to 48 hours we will be dealing with flood threats in East Gippsland, such is the volatility of what is going on down there this week. I just want to reinforce for everyone in our communities of Gippsland South and Gippsland East that are impacted to stay vigilant and stay informed.