Answers to Questions

State Emergency Service

241 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 September 2016). In reference to 2016-17 Budget Paper 5, page 43—what is the State Emergency Service Map Book System, how is it utilised for bushfire prevention and the prescribed burning program, and what are the benefits?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Higher Education and Skills): The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has received the following advice:

The Emergency Services Map Book series, previously known as the Country Fire Service (CFS) Map Book Series, is published by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), and presents topographic maps for each region.

The maps display information about the region including roads, tracks, railways, buildings, streams, dams, vegetation, elevation and many other features in the landscape.

The books are an operational tool for the CFS, and are also used by other emergency service organisations, including State Emergency Service, Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Police, and state and local government departments, business and recreational markets.

Bushfire suppression and prescribed burning requires a comprehensive representation of the landscape to undertake operations, and the map books help emergency services position crews, determine the current and forecast location of fire fronts, and show locations of resources, especially water resources.