Answers to Questions

Bushfire Preparedness

223 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 September 2016). In reference to 2016-17 Budget Paper 4, Volume 2, page 102—

1. How will the bushfire planning and response effort engage with property owners in high risk bushfire areas such as the Mount Lofty Ranges to reduce red tape for EPA and local government burning off requirements to allow property owners to reduce bushfire fuel loads on private properties?

2. How will the bushfire planning and response effort engage with property owners in high risk bushfire areas such as the Mount Lofty Ranges to actively reduce fuel loads on government owned land adjacent to private properties, such as roadside verges, nature strips, parks and conservation areas?

3. What negotiations has the Minister for Emergency Services undertaken with the Minister for the Environment in relation to new EPA policy and regulations regarding burning-off in the open to reduce fuel loads in high risk bushfire areas?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development): The Minister for Emergency Services has been advised:

1. The Country Fire Service (CFS) has advised that engagement with property owners at the local level is undertaken by local government. In metropolitan areas, each local council has the power to issue permits for burning in the open, or to identify areas within their council area by general notice published in a newspaper where burning can be conducted. Questions around EPA policy will need to be directed to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation.

2. The CFS has advised that this is a matter for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and local government to consider. However, guidance on the reduction of bushfire fuels on crown or council land is provided on the relevant bushfire management area plan.

3. The CFS has been consulted by the EPA and has had input to the development of the new EPA policy and regulations for burning in the open. CFS welcomes the changes as they reinforce the need for safety when burning off and do not compromise the ability of the CFS or the general community to conduct burning in the open for training or bushfire hazard reduction.