More than $2.8 million for high bushfire risk areas

• 11 local governments to share in $2.8 million to reduce bushfire risks across the State
• Nearly 250 bushfire mitigation activities will be carried out as part of the funding
• Five local governments will receive Mitigation Activity Fund grants for the first time 

Local governments from Geraldton to Esperance will share in more than $2.8 million in State Government funding to help reduce bushfire risks as we approach the high threat season.

 

Five of the local governments - the City of Greater Geraldton, the City

of Armadale, the Shire of Cranbrook, the Shire of Capel and the Shire of Esperance - will receive Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF) grants for the first time.

 

They are among 11 successful local governments receiving funds for mitigation activities with the first time recipients receiving nearly half of the $2.8 million allocated.

 

Mitigation activities include building firebreaks, reducing fuel loads and hazard reduction burns to minimise the potential risks of fires.

 

Since 2017, the MAF has provided more than $33.7 million in grants for more than 4,500 bushfire mitigation activities across the State.

 

This latest funding is the second round of grants to be allocated in 2021-22.

 

Local governments can apply for a grant if they have a Bushfire Risk Management Plan endorsed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Office of Bushfire Risk Management.

 

Residents are urged to undertake their own bushfire mitigation to prepare their properties ahead of bushfire season.

 

Local governments can visit https://dfes.wa.gov.au for more information on the grant process.

 

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:

 

"Every summer we live with the threat of bushfires and we need to do everything we can to reduce the risk - that's why the State Government is investing a record amount in mitigation funding.

 

"It's so important for local councils to have support that enables and empowers them to protect their communities.

 

"The grants will boost bushfire mitigation activities in high risk local government areas, helping them to reduce fuel loads and bushfire risk.

 

"As the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and local governments prepare for the bushfire season, I encourage households to look at the things they can do on their properties to prepare.

 

"This can include pruning trees, cleaning gutters, having or updating a bushfire plan and checking emergency kits.

 

"We all need to do our bit to help reduce bushfire risks and be as prepared as possible as we head into the high threat season."

 

Minister's office - 6552 6300

 

MITIGATION ACTIVITY FUND - GRANTS PROGRAM

2021-22 Round 2 Allocation

 

Local Govt	Amount allocated	Number of Treatments
Armadale*	$423,822.30^	19**
Capel*	$428,450.00	27
Chittering	$500,000.00	40
Cranbrook*	$66,920.00	8
Esperance*	$34,500.00	3
Gosnells	$497,700.00	37
Greater Geraldton*	$333,577.00	33
Irwin	$249,710.00	24
Kalamunda	$23,262.00	7
Nannup	$202,450.00	14
Wanneroo	$127,850.00	33
Grand Total	$2,888,241.30	245

*First time recipients

^$91,839 for three trial treatments. A further $331,983.30 if trials are successful.

**Inclusive of three trial treatments