Page 2467 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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MR CORBELL: I refer Mrs Jones to my earlier answer to Mr Jeffery in relation to the first part of her question. In relation to the second part of her question, we have a very strong level of coordination when it comes to residents of rural villages such as Uriarra. First of all, we have invested significantly in the capability of those villages. For example, we have the very successful community fire unit program in place at Uriarra Village.
Equally, the planning of the new Uriarra Village has involved the development of very significant planning controls and land management controls in relation to fire abatement around the village. I would be very happy to provide a briefing to Mrs Jones that deals with those matters—
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mrs Jones!
MR CORBELL: because the development of good land management practice around Uriarra Village is critically important in protecting that village against fire attack.
Finally, we have strengthened the relationship between the rural village and the relevant parts of our emergency services, for example, the Rural Fire Service brigade responsible for that part of the territory. Those communication arrangements are maintained and they are strengthened to ensure that they are operational in the lead up to each and every summer to make sure that residents of Uriarra Village, as is the case with residents in any other bushfire prone part of the territory, are able to be well informed and understand what needs to be done.
It is worth highlighting the specific attempts that the ESA have undertaken through the Canberra bushfire ready campaign. Canberra bushfire ready is about reaching out to residents in bushfire prone areas to give them information and advice on the steps they need to take to be safe.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, what kind of abatement zones are in place for the suburbs currently being built at Denman Prospect for fire safety, and why has the government abandoned the use of bushfire abatement zones for the fighting of fires by suburban fire and rescue services, as has been the case since the recommendations of the McLeod report? Why have my two written requests for a briefing on the ESA not been responded to in the last few weeks?
MR CORBELL: They have been, and my officers indicated to Mrs Jones that we will provide her with a briefing after this sitting fortnight. Those arrangements are underway, and she knows that.
The government has not abandoned the use of bushfire abatement zones when it comes to land use planning and bushfire abatement planning—
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