Mount Remarkable National Park Bushfire

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart) (14:29): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Emergency Services—I think it is the Minister for Education. Can the minister update the house on the recent fire that occurred in the Mount Remarkable National Park, the area impacted and the equipment that was utilised, plus on the dedicated services provided by all our volunteers from all over South Australia?

The Hon. B.I. BOYER (Wright—Minister for Education, Training and Skills) (14:29): I thank the member for Stuart for his question. I can certainly do that on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services. The Wilmington fire was a significant and complicated incident, burning through 5,414 hectares of steep, rugged and often inaccessible terrain. These conditions made it particularly challenging for ground crews, requiring an extensive and coordinated response effort. It was the most significant fire event of the season so far.

Almost 1,200 personnel were involved in the firefighting effort, including highly skilled teams from the CFS and the Department for Environment and Water. Firefighters worked around the clock in extreme heat, on difficult slopes and in conditions that were both physically demanding and unpredictable. Their efforts on the ground were supported by aerial firefighting resources which played a crucial role in containing the fire. Volunteers from across the state provided assistance.

In total, aircraft completed 554 drops, delivering approximately 1.4 million litres of water to help suppress the fire. Aerial support was instrumental in slowing the fire's spread, particularly in those areas where steep terrain made it difficult for ground crews to gain access. South Australia leads the way with a strong aerial firefighting response to major fire events. The CFS has over 30 aircraft available for quick, decisive action to keep our fire-prone communities safe.

Despite the intensity of the Wilmington fire, the significant effort of the many firefighters involved prevented any major property loss. Alligator Lodge, a three-bedroom lodge in the fire zone, was successfully protected. The property damage was limited to a single toilet block, alongside several minor incursions onto private land, which were quickly contained before any further spread occurred. The quick action of both the DEW and CFS firefighters prevented further property loss and highlighted the level of coordination, professionalism and effectiveness of our firefighting teams.

I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible outpouring of support, too, from the Wilmington and Port Augusta communities. As I think we have seen throughout our state's history, South Australians come together in times of crisis to support those in need, and in particular I think many in the community were particularly moved to see the thankyou cards written by the children at Wilmington Primary School. I can say as the Minister for Education it is fantastic to see our younger students showing their appreciation for the work of these volunteers. Many of the students had parents who were out each day fighting the fire and keeping their community safe.

The school community came together with students writing cards to CFS volunteers, which were then sent to the fire-staging ground for volunteers to read through on their breaks. I would also like to recognise the others who provided support, including the Salvation Army, St John Ambulance and many other volunteers from across the state. The Salvos played a key role in ensuring that the firefighters and other emergency responders, including volunteers from the SES, had hot meals and the food they needed to keep going. The local community itself donated generously, providing food, supplies and other forms of assistance to those on the frontline. An entire corner of the staging room was set aside to be filled with the donations from the local community.

This fire is a key reminder of the challenges we face across the state each fire season and of the critical role that preparation and a rapid response play. We are no stranger to bushfires in South Australia and events like this reinforce the importance of strong coordination between government, volunteer groups and engaged local communities. All involved can and should feel proud of the way this was displayed in the case of this Wilmington fire. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, emergency personnel, volunteers and local residents who played a role in responding.