Don’t Restrict Fire Inquiry – 2 December 2011

“The imminent inquiry into the recent devastating fires in the south west must also look at other recent major prescribed burn escapes,” said Greens MLC, Giz Watson.

In the past 12 months in the Nannup district alone there have been three major prescribed burn escapes totalling approximately 70,000 hectares that burnt at very high intensities.

“It is vital that the inquiry not be limited to Margaret River,” she said.

“I call on the Premier to ensure that as well as the risk to life and property the inquiry looks at:

Other recent escaped prescribed burns
The environmental impact of prescribed burning practices, particularly in a drying climate
Alternative strategies for managing bushfire risk
Alternative risk reduction such as better planning controls for bushfire prone areas.”

Authorised by Giz Watson, 339 Oxford Street, Leederville WA 6007.