Page 4164 - Week 13 - Thursday, 2 December 2021
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Mr Steel: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
A hands-free sanitiser option was trialled at all Libraries ACT sites, with the implementation of stands in November 2020. Due to high demand at the time, the stands available for trial were limited. The trial included automated sanitiser stands dispensing liquid sanitising solution. During the trial the stands were frequently run into and knocked over. Repairs and maintenance were ongoing, and the stands were gradually removed from each site, with the last stand being collected from Woden Library in July 2021. Hand pump sanitisers have been utilised since their removal, with the resumption of services after 2021 lockdown, an alternative hands-free dispenser is being sourced. Currently a hands-free tabletop option is being explored to ensure accessible and safe dispensing across all Libraries ACT sites.
Bushfires—controlled burns
(Question No 517)
Mr Milligan asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, upon notice, on 12 November 2021 (redirected to the Minister for Planning and Land Management):
(1) In relation to fuel reduction through prescribed burns to maintain the safety of Canberrans during bushfire seasons, what season and months are typical for prescribed burns to occur.
(2) What are the targets for prescribed burns in the ACT.
(3) What percentage of the environment of the ACT is subject to prescribed burns each year.
(4) Which areas of the ACT are targeted for prescribed burns.
(5) With the wetter season, and the inability for prescribed burns to occur, will there be a catch-up time.
(6) Does Parks and Conservation engage in cultural burning practices; if so, who do they work with to complete this practice.
(7) When are these burns conducted.
(8) What is the process for cultural burning.
(9) Has a comparison of cultural burning and prescribed burning been conducted in the ACT and its effect on fuel reduction, bush fire prevention, and health outcomes.
Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) is responsible for bushfire fuel management across 80% of the ACT and continually monitors fuel and weather conditions and identifies opportunities to undertake prescribed burns. Climatic drivers such as El Niño, Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode and La Niña play a major role in the timing of burns. However, the majority of prescribed burns, and particularly the large-scale forest burns, are undertaken in late Summer and Autumn, when weather conditions are typically more stable for extended periods.
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