Page 3144 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 9 November 2021
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education and engagement. This process has improved collaboration between the RFS and SES, which has benefited the skill sets of each service through shared corporate knowledge and cross-service support. It is achieving quality engagement, recognition and retention activities throughout the volunteer life cycle, all whilst building capability. They have also been encouraging diversity and maintaining the professionalism of each service.
The ACT government will continue to support our volunteers throughout the season, ensuring that they remain well equipped and well trained to protect our community.
MS ORR: Minister, what new capabilities has the ACT government developed in preparation for the season to keep the community safe?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Orr for the question and her interest in emergency management. The ACT government has made considerable investments in technologies and capabilities that support our preparedness and response to emergency events, particularly fires.
While our emergency services have been undertaking their usual training and preparedness activities, we have also invested in new technical tools and skills. The ACT RFS has proudly partnered with the Minderoo Foundation, Optus and the Australian National University to trial the use of ground-sensing cameras to improve detection times, allowing for a quicker response to bushfires. These cameras are located at the top of all ACT fire towers, and the trial is continuing into its second year.
The ACT RFS has also developed four new bushfire risk analysis products: a burn frequency model; a lightning strike fire potential model; a grass fuel dashboard; and a snap report, which provides a snapshot of the predicted weather hour by hour on the elevated fire danger each day.
To bolster its aerial capability, the ACT Emergency Services will also contract three aircraft towards the end of December when the risk of fire in the ACT is heightened.
These capabilities and technologies will enhance our preparedness and situation awareness. They will ensure that our community remains well protected and that we are able to respond effectively to emergencies throughout the 2021-22 season.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how is the ACT government progressing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Pettersson for his interest in this area. The ACT is steadily progressing implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. Many of the recommendations align with work already underway to address the learnings from our own reviews into the 2019-20 emergency season.
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