Answers to Questions

BUSHFIRES

In reply to Mr VENNING (Schubert) (27 September 2007).

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy): The Minister for Emergency Services has provided the following information:

In recognition of the influence of the drought on bushfire risk, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) brought forward the start of the fire danger season in all fire ban districts by up to one month. The government has provided the CFS with an additional $500,000 for the implementation of a summer fire safety awareness campaign, and an expanded community education program, to raise awareness and provide communities with the capacity to prepare themselves for bushfire. As part of this program, homes in high risk areas of the State are being sent by mail a copy of a bushfire action plan.

In addition, a review of bushfire prevention and mitigation arrangements in South Australia has been conducted, and the review working group made a number of recommendations for the improvement of processes in South Australia that are being considered as part of the current review of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.

As to the question regarding the Native Vegetation Act, I have been informed that there are adequate exemptions under that act for landholders to construct fire breaks appropriate to their level of bushfire risk.

A native vegetation council subcommittee was established in October 2006 to consider and approve applications relating to fire prevention works. The CFS is a member of that subcommittee and I am advised that it has been approving applications both in and out of session.