Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:55): (539) My question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world. Being prepared for the summer months is critical to preventing loss of life and property and protecting the environment. This is especially true in a drying climate and a return to El Niño weather patterns, which bring with them elevated bushfire risk. Minister, how is the Victorian government ensuring that East Gippsland communities are best prepared for the upcoming fire season? You and I recently got to see this work happening in real time in Mallacoota, where we spoke to CFA brigade leader Tracey and volunteers as well as the Forest Fire Management Victoria team about readiness. This included an inspection of the Mallacoota strategic fuel break. The work that these crews are doing to help at-risk communities get ready for the bushfire season will save lives and prevent the loss of properties in the event of another fire. I want to take this chance to thank all the volunteers, emergency services workers and communities who are working to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season, as they do every year.