BUSHFIRE PLANNING

459 The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (10 March 2009). In light of the Victorian Bushfires, will the construction of firebreaks and access tracks be allowed in excess of 5 metres to ensure the safety of fire fighters?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): Fire breaks up to 5 meters are already allowed. The following applies:

Fire breaks up to 5 meters without additional approval anywhere in the state

Fire breaks up to 7.5 metres in designated areas of mallee scrub – for example parts of Eyre Peninsula where there is extensive areas of mallee vegetation

Fire breaks up to 15 metres in width on properties used for primary production with approval of the district bushfire prevention committee, and

Firebreaks of any width subject to a management plan prepared by a landholder, group of landholders. Or the district bushfire prevention committee, and approved by the Native Vegetation Council.

The South Australian Firebreaks, Fire Access Track and Sign Standards Guidelines, which is part of the Code of Practice for the Management of Native Vegetation to Reduce the Impact of Bushfire, provides useful guidance on the location, size and design of fire access tracks including passing bays and turnaround points.

I draw the member of Stuart's attention to a Ministerial Statement I made on 17 February 2009 regarding the Code of Practice for the Management of Native Vegetation to Reduce the Impact of Bushfire. I pointed out in that statement that the government's bushfire preparedness policies have been based on the best available science. However, we need to learn from any fire event, and as part of this we should re-examine our policies and procedures to see whether or not they need improvement. Accordingly, and in light of the Victorian fires, I have asked for a review of current arrangements for managing the interaction of native vegetation and bushfires, including width of firebreaks and access tracks. The review my lead to amendments to the Code of Practice, and, if necessary, amendments to the Native Vegetation Legislation.'