The Western Australian Government is supporting bushfire mitigation projects by investing $1.9 million in 15 local governments across the state.
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson, said that the funding was provided through the government’s Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF) and would help to reduce the threat of bushfires around communities in and near high-risk areas.
The funding will be used to undertake 272 treatments on Crown land, including mechanical works to reduce fuel levels, establishing fire breaks and planned burns where appropriate.
The grants have been approved by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Funding is available to local governments with an approved Bushfire Risk Management Plan.
Local governments can visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au for more information on the MAF grants with applications for the next round of funding expected to open in March 2025.
Minister Dawson said that climate change is making bushfire seasons longer and more intense.
“To help mitigate the impact of these bushfires the State Government is investing a further $1.9 million into helping to protect communities in high-risk areas,” Minister Dawson said.
“Last bushfire season there were more than 5,000 bushfires across the state – a significant increase on the previous year – and those fires burnt out more than 9.5 million hectares.
“Around 93 per cent of Western Australia is bushfire prone and local governments play a vital role in protecting communities under threat.
“Since 2017, the State Government has distributed nearly $62 million in funding to 74 local governments to conduct over 8,200 mitigation treatments.”
