Page 46 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 11 February 2020
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prevention, bushfire fighting capacity and capability, and increased community engagement and education. ESA has utilised new technology including the specialist intelligence gathering capability, satellite imagery, aerial firefighting capability and improved communications technology.
Together with parks and conservation, ESA has significantly upgraded our fire trails and taken a proactive approach to protecting important environmental and heritage sites. To achieve these outcomes, the ACT government has ensured that the ESA and partner directorates are well funded and resourced including with appropriate equipment, well-trained and qualified firefighters, collaborative intergovernmental arrangements and strong cross-border relationships and arrangements.
While we have learned the lessons of 2003, preparing for bushfire is a shared responsibility. We need ACT residents to be prepared by having a bushfire survival plan, and I encourage all members of the ACT community to download and complete a bushfire survival plan today.
MR GUPTA: Minister, how can the ACT Government build on its current investment in the Emergency Services Agency?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Gupta for his interest in investing in these agencies. The independent Bushfire Council has acknowledged that the ACT is well resourced and well prepared for bushfires. To ensure that this remains the case, the ACT government is committed to building on its current investment in and support for the ESA. That is why the ACT government is investing $976,000 in the 2019-20 budget review, which adds to our $2.65 million for strengthening bushfire preparedness and ACT Rural Fire Service partnerships which was provided in the 2019-20 budget.
At the request of the ESA, the ACT government is funding a six-month trial of fire and smoke detection cameras in key elevated locations across Canberra to establish how they could assist with early fire detection. An extra investment will also enable the installation of seven new electronic fire danger rating signs, completing our replacement of the manual signs. This includes continuing the ACT’s contribution to the national emergency alert system.
Our ongoing investments in the ESA have enabled their outstanding efforts so far this bushfire season in protecting Canberra. We will continue to ensure that this remains the case.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, what improvements have been made to emergency communications since 2003?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Cheyne for her question. We heard loud and clear calls from the community for more timely and detailed information about bushfire threats following 2003. As demonstrated by the actions of the government and the ESA during the current bushfire season, the ACT is as prepared as it has ever been in keeping our community safe and informed. I take this opportunity to thank
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