The Albanese Government is urging Australians to remain vigilant and be prepared, with large areas of the country at an increased risk of fire in Spring.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024, released by the Australasian Fire and Authorities Council (AFAC) provides information that assists fire authorities to make strategic resource and planning decisions prior to the fire season.
For the Spring outlook period, increased risk of fire has been identified for large areas across northern Australia, spanning the NT and Queensland, as well as central Australia, central and southern Queensland, and far west and southwest Victoria.
While other parts of Australia show normal risk of fire during this outlook period, communities are encouraged to be vigilant and remain alert. Dangerous and deadly fires can still occur during average and below-average seasons.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is preparing to respond and support states, territories and communities impacted by natural hazards through Spring.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister said it's vital that communities prepare ahead of the High-Risk Weather Season.
"While there is increased risk in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria, it's important that all communities prepare for the fire season," Minister McAllister said.
"The outlook predicts an increased likelihood of unusually high maximum temperatures across Australia this Spring. I encourage Australians to be aware of the current fire risk in their own areas and make sure their bushfire plans are up to date.
"The Albanese Government is working with all levels of government, industry, and non-government organisations to better prepare for the higher risk weather season (HRWS). This includes hosting our second National Preparedness Summit"
The National Preparedness Summitt will be held in Canberra on 18-19 September, participants will be briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the Long-Range Forecast and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on capabilities and support during the HRWS.
The Australian Government remains committed to supporting disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation. Preparedness activities at the national level since the last Higher Risk Weather Season (HRWS) have included:
- Ongoing collaboration with state and territory governments to progress more than 180 projects that received funding underway across the country through Round One of the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), delivering on the Australian Government's $200 million investment in 2023-24.
- Announcing more than 160 successful projects funded under Round Two of the DRF which will deliver up to $200 million of Australian Government funding in 2024-25.
- Undertaking an After Action Review into emergency warnings during the Tropical Cyclone Jasper event, releasing a report on its findings and working with the Queensland Government to identify strategies to implement recommendations.
- Committing an additional $35 million over the next two years to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to deliver more aircraft that can respond to a wider range of emergencies.
- Delivering a national preparedness program to key stakeholders to inform national planning and preparedness, and reduce potential harm to the community. The program includes four components:
- A National Preparedness Summit on 18-19 September 2024 in Canberra
- Key leadership engagement with state and territory emergency service organisations
- Preparedness briefings for targeted stakeholders
- Enhancing the National Emergency Management Stockpile.
