Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Members statements

Bushfire preparedness

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (13:27): I rise to acknowledge the volunteers and emergency services workers that are currently fighting fires on the ground and to thank the Minister for Emergency Services for her update in the house today on the fires in Briagolong and Loch Sport. I am told the rains are falling across South Gippsland and East Gippsland as we speak, which is good news. However, obviously we have concerns as to the amount of rain that is going to fall in the coming days. I want to acknowledge all of those in our country towns and on the outskirts of towns, farmers who have prepared their properties not only to keep themselves safe but to make the job of emergency workers and our volunteers easier in this time, and the 600 CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria staff that are currently on the scene fighting fires.

We have resilient communities across Eastern Victoria, and I am proud that volunteers from all across Eastern Victoria are there fighting – they have apparently got Rosebud, Dromana and Somerville teams assisting – and a family member of one of the staff in my electorate office is there as we speak. As I said, there are big rains on the way. There could be flooding. We have fires. Everyone, please, do not take any unnecessary risks. Stay up to date, look after yourself and look after your loved ones.