Wangary Bushfire Recommendations Progress

Significant progress continues to be made in implementing the recommendations. Of the 34 recommendations, 29 are deemed complete with 5 recommendations outstanding, the majority of which require legislative amendment to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005. 

Key initiatives implemented from the recommendations include:

• The provision of a large capacity fire fighting helicopter based in South Australia during the fire season - details
• Creation of farm fire unit guidelines and information -available here
• Introduction of landowner and water liaison officers within CFS Incident Management Teams if required
• The sourcing of input from landowners/landholders regarding topography, vegetation, existing fire breaks and accessibility by CFS Regional Co-ordinators
• Endorsement of policies by the State Emergency Management Committee regarding CFS policies and procedures for issuing public warnings for bushfires -information available here
• Empowerment of the CFS Regional Co-ordinator to undertake the role of Regional Public Warnings Officer and create and deliver public warnings
• Increasing awareness for citizens to listen for radio announcements relating to bushfire - information available here
• Establishment of pre-planned level 2 Incident Management Teams in each CFS region
• Research into the fitting of after market, non-standard mufflers to vehicles used in rural environments
• Creation of a code of practice for management of native vegetation to reduce the impact of bushfires - available here

The most recent milestone reached has been the formal release of two research reports into farming practices and bushfire risk. To read more click on the links below:

• Media release
• Research report 1 - A review of the effect of farming practices, including continuous cropping, minimum tillage and direct drilling, on bushfire risk and prevention.
• Research report 2 - An analysis of the effects of different cropping regimes and crop management systems on the potential bushfire risk across the Lower Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.

Comments on the findings of the reports can be provided via email to: bushfirerecommendations@safecom.sa,gov.au