Page 4496 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 30 October 2018
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four services was there, along with ACT parks and conservation. ACT Policing and White Ribbon also had displays on site. In addition to learning about the work of our different emergency services, the day provided an opportunity to learn about bushfire preparedness for the 2018 bushfire season. The significant organisation and effort that went into the event shows the great strength and teamwork within the organisation. I am aware that hours went into the planning, which started around six months ago.
Of course, the ACT government recognises that this significant event could not be achieved without the volunteers and staff committing time, energy and passion to what they do every day. As Minister for Police and Emergency Services, I want to pay tribute and tell you how proud we all are of the work you do. The Canberra community could not be prouder of the work that you do as well. As we go into the bushfire season, it is more important than ever that we do all that we can to engage with our community and assist them to build resilience to bushfire, storm and flood. The open day is a valuable opportunity to showcase and celebrate the hard work that ESA personnel do in relation to preparing for the season.
On top of that, I refer to the volunteer work by staff and volunteers which started last week, to doorknock 5,000 Canberra homes to provide friendly advice about being prepared for bushfire and other emergencies. We started off in Campbell, which is only a couple of minutes from the city. It contains one of the hundreds of streets that are being doorknocked in this bushfire season. Properties in a bushfire-prone area, like homes in the Campbell area, are being targeted as they are at a higher risk of being impacted by bushfire due to their close proximity to the bush or grasslands.
Of course, Canberra is not new to bushfires, but we want people to be more aware of this tinder-dry condition in the ACT as we lead up to the season. It is as bad as it was in 2003, and the emergency services are more prepared than ever before. However, having the community prepared for bushfires is a shared responsibility as well. A very clear message will be delivered to residents during the doorknock: to give you and your property the best chance of survival, you need to seriously prepare and plan ahead. I encourage all Canberra residents to make a bushfire survival plan. There are only four simple steps that could save your life, or, indeed, the lives of your family and friends. Even if you are not in a bushfire-prone area, you are more likely to work or travel with or know someone who lives in a high-risk area.
I want to thank the emergency services volunteers and staff who participated in the doorknock. Your dedication to helping build resilience within our community is invaluable. For those wanting more information on bushfire-prone areas and getting ready for emergencies, please visit the emergency services website at www.esa.gov.au and download your bushfire preparedness plan.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 4.12 pm.
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