Page 68 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 28 February 2007
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We have learned the lessons from the phenomenal events of 2003. Stromlo, Cotter, Tidbinbilla, Birrigai and Namadgi—all precious areas of our community—have been destroyed and rebuilt again. They will never be the same to those of us who knew them before, who grew up amongst the safety and beauty of our bush city. Canberra will never be the same. The events of 2003 will be etched into the memories of all of us for ever.
MR SPEAKER: Before we proceed, I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the former minister and member Mr Bill Wood.
MR MULCAHY (Molonglo) (3.30): Mr Speaker, I want to begin today by reflecting on the enormous amount of damage that was caused by the 2003 bushfires. As Mr Stefaniak led with this morning, not only were there four tragic deaths, 435 people injured and 487 homes lost but an environmental impact that we are still feeling and will continue to feel as regeneration impacts on water inflows.
Indeed, it must be noted that the impact on the territory’s water supply may not even have begun to be felt. Bushfires burned all of the Cotter catchment and significant parts of the Bendora subcatchment and the Corin subcatchment. The 2004 Actew paper “Options for the next ACT water source” estimated, using preliminary data, that it is likely that over the coming years the regeneration process will begin to significantly impact on the flow of water from catchment areas into reservoirs.
It is probably not possible to quantify the number of species destroyed or lost when the fire swept through the bushlands.
At this point I want to comment only briefly on some of Dr Foskey’s remarks. It would appear that the Greens have taken exception to any suggestion that their policy in relation to bushfire hazard reduction burns may, if implemented, aid the spread of bushfires. I stand by my public statement on this issue that, if the clearing of forest litter, including native vegetation, will slow an advancing bushfire and prevent loss of life, damage to property and disruption to residents’ lives, then it should be done. Any other policy, even if designed to protect ecosystems, is irresponsible and not in the public interest.
How did the bushfires happen? Who is responsible? Well, the Chief Minister said after the fires, and we have heard this discounted, reversed, and spun today, “If you want to blame someone, blame me.” I recall hearing that television appearance before I was in this place and I, along with the rest of the community, took him at his word. He said again in the Assembly, in August 2003, “Ultimate responsibility rests with the government.” But, of course, today we are hearing that that really meant “don’t blame me; you know, this is really defending other people”.
Words, of course, are empty without action to back them, and what has the Chief Minister done to discharge the responsibility that she says she accepts …
These are words that will be coming back to his memory, I am sure.
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